Barangay Ginebra spoils William Navarro's Magnolia debut

Barangay Ginebra returned to its winning ways at the expense of Magnolia, 85-81, on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win spoiled William Navarro's Magnolia debut as he was limited to five points for the Hotshots. Navarro's first Manila Clasico game came in just days after his trade from NorthPort Batang Pier.

Down 71-61 early in the fourth period, Barangay Ginebra pulled off an 8-0 run to inch closer. Jerom Lastimosa then gave Magnolia a 4-point lead before Ginebra made another 5-0 run to take the lead, 74-73. It was neck-and-neck from then as Magnolia trailed 80-79 with 2:11 remaining.

Stephen Holt and Jamie Malonzo then hit back-to-back baskets to give Barangay Ginebra an 85-79 lead. Ian Sangalang then cut the lead, 85-81, with 1:07 left, but Zav Lucero and Paul Lee missed their final attempts and handed Ginebra the victory.

Japeth Aguilar registered a double-double of 17 points and 11 boards, while Troy Rosario and Stephen Holt had 15 and 14 points, respectively for Barangay Ginebra.

Ian Sangalang and Zav Lucero, meanwhile, had 16 points apiece for the Hotshots, with the former grabbing 12 rebounds.

With the win, Barangay Ginebra improved to 6-3, while Magnolia slipped to 7-2.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 85 – J.Aguilar 17, Rosario 15, Holt 14, Malonzo 11, Abarrientos 10, Thompson 5, David 5, Pinto 4, Adamos 4, Gray 0.

Magnolia 81 – Sangalang 16, Lucero 16, Barroca 9, Laput 9, Lastimosa 8, Lee 6, Navarro 5, Dela Rosa 5, Alfaro 4, Dionisio 3.

Quarters: 22-24, 44-39, 59-68, 85-81.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News