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PBA: Ginebra claims victory, holds off late Purefoods rally



Greg Slaughter led the locals with 19 points, but it was Eman Monfort's inspired play that gave Barangay Ginebra San Miguel a 96-87 win over the Purefoods Star Hotshots Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Monfort posted nine points with seven rebounds- more boards than any Purefoods player. He also had five assists and three steals with no turnovers.

"Maganda yung binigay ni Eman Monfort. Solid focus nila dito sa game," said coach Ato Agustin. "This is the third time na first five ko si Eman."

Michael Dunigan had 22 points and nine rebounds, while Mac Baracael added 10 to round up the starters in double figures. Off the bench, LA Tenorio had 16 points with six assists, while Japeth Aguilar recorded a double-double with 10 and 10.

Ginebra led by 14 entering the final frame, 70-56, before Purefoods mounted its comback. A 22-8 run knotted the game at the 4:57 mark after Devance hit a three, 78-all.

The Gin Kings were quick to respond, as Dunigan hit his charities while Mark Caguioa and Monfort connected from the field to provide enough of a buffer for the victory.

"Naglaro talaga ng mabuti mga players; we did a good job on defense. We were able to execute our plays," Agustin added. "Naging disciplined sila sa offense namin. Humabol Purefoods sabi ko don't panic, they're able to make a run, sabi ko, tayo naman. Sabi ko wag mag-panic and stay focused sa game."

Denzel Bowles had 31 points for Purefoods off a 50 percent shooting clip. He also had six rebounds and a pair each of assists, blocks and steals but with seven turnovers. PJ Simon and Joe Devance had 14 points each, while Marc Pingris was limited to just six.

Purefoods struggled to get anything form its bench, with Marc Barroca being the lone bright spot with 14 points. Youssef Taha had two, while Justin Melton, Rafi Reavis and Mick Pennisi were held scoreless. - RAF, GMA News

The scores:

GINEBRA 96 - Dunigan 22, Slaughter 19, Tenorio 16, Aguilar 10, Baracael 10, Monfort 9, Caguioa 7, Yeo 3, Ababou 0.

PUREFOODS 87 - Bowles 31, Simon 14, Barroca 14, Devance 14, Mallari 6, Pingris 6, Taha 2, Melton 0, Reavis 0, Pennisi 0.

Quarterscores: 20-16, 45-38, 70-56, 96-87
Tags: pbaseason
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