Barangay Ginebra survived a late challenge from Blackwater to secure a 101-96 victory in the final game of the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, knocking the Bossing out of playoff contention.
The Gin Kings built a commanding 97-82 lead midway through the fourth quarter but saw Blackwater threaten with a late surge, scoring eight unanswered points to trim the deficit with 2:37 left.
Ralph Cu stopped the Bossing’s run before Jed Mendoza buried a three-pointer to bring Blackwater within six points, 99-93, with 1:03 remaining.
John Abis converted his free throws after drawing a foul from James Sena to restore some cushion for Ginebra. Jack Cruz-Dumont then connected from beyond the arc to keep Blackwater’s hopes alive, but the Gin Kings held firm to seal the victory.
Ginebra took control from the opening quarter, establishing a 33-19 lead before heading into halftime with a 63-47 advantage.
Jordan Murphy paced the Gin Kings with 22 points, nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block, while Troy Rosario contributed 17 points.
Kent Barkley led Blackwater with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Sedrick Barefield added 12 points.
The win lifted Ginebra to a 5-5 record, good for third place in Group B and a best-of-five quarterfinal matchup against San Miguel.
Blackwater finished its campaign with a 3-7 record, placing last in the group. Meralco also failed to advance, while Magnolia, Rain or Shine, and Phoenix secured their respective quarterfinal spots.
