Ginebra starters shine in win vs Magnolia

MANILA, Philippines -- It took a Barangay to take down Magnolia.

The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings banked on its starters to win the PBA Philippine Cup's "Manila Clasico" after pulling away late against the Magnolia Hotshots, 87-77, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The team's starters -- Mav Ahanmisi, Jamie Malonzo, Stanley Pringle, Japeth Aguilar and Christian Standhardinger -- all finished in double digits to help the Gin Kings return to the win column.

The Hotshots were trailing by just four, 56-60, heading into the fourth quarter with a late 3-pointer by Jackson Corpuz.

It was more of the same in the final frame, as Magnolia cut an eight point lead in half, 73-77, thanks to a jumper by Jio Jalalon with 2:44 remaining.

Free throws by Ahanmisi and a baseline jumper by Aguilar pushed the lead back to eight, 81-73, with 1:44 left.

A layup by Paul Lee helped the Hotshots inch closer, 75-81, with 57 ticks to go. But on the other end, Ahanmisi drained the dagger 3-pointer to slam the door on any comeback attempt, 84-75, with 40 seconds remaining.

A split from the line and a layup by Standhardinger put the icing on the cake for Ginebra.

Pringle led the Gin Kings with 17 points and six assists.

Ahanmisi and Aguilar had 16 points each, while Malonzo and Standhardinger chipped in 11 markers apiece.

Only three other Ginebra players scored off the bench.

Ian Sangalang led Magnolia with 17 points in 37 minutes off the bench.

Ginebra rose to 3-1 in the league, tied with the NorthPort Batang Pier. The Hotshots dropped to 1-1.