PBA: Scottie Thompson posts career triple-double as Ginebra evens semis series vs SMB

Scottie Thompson powered Barangay Ginebra San Miguel past the San Miguel Beermen, 105-91, in a career night Sunday in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Thompson poured in a career-high 35 points and added 11 rebounds and 11 assists as Ginebra evened the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

The performance made Thompson the first local player to record a 30-point triple-double in 33 years, following Alaska’s Johnny Abarrientos, who posted 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists in a loss to Swift during the 1993 All-Filipino Conference.

It was also the first 30-point triple-double by a local player in a win in 36 years, a feat last achieved by Ronnie Magsanoc.

San Miguel raced to a 30-14 lead in the opening period before Ginebra clawed back in the second quarter, outscoring the Beermen 30-19 to take a slim 56-55 halftime edge. The teams stayed close through the third quarter, setting up a decisive fourth-period surge by the Gin Kings.

The Beermen were still ahead, 80-79, at the 9:49 mark of the final frame before a Norbert Torres triple and a Thompson basket swung the lead in Ginebra’s favor. Don Trollano briefly cut the deficit with a three-pointer, but Thompson answered with a triple at the 7:29 mark to breach the 30-point mark. That shot sparked a personal 7-0 run that pushed Ginebra ahead, 91-83. From there, the Gin Kings pulled away, outscoring San Miguel 33-16 in the final quarter to seal the win.

Japeth Aguilar added 14 points for Ginebra, while Torres finished with 13.

CJ Perez led San Miguel with 22 points, followed by Chris Ross with 20. Despite a shoulder injury, June Mar Fajardo hauled in 20 rebounds but was held to nine points.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 105 – Thompson 35, J.Aguilar 14, Torres 13, David 12, Abarrientos 11, Cu 7, Rosario 6, Holt 4, Pinto 3, R.Aguilar 0.

San Miguel 91 – Perez 22, Ross 20, Cruz 15, Fajardo 9, Trollano 8, Brondial 7, Tautuaa 5, Cahilig 3, Rosales 2, Lassiter 0, Tiongson 0, Teng 0.

Quarters: 26-36, 56-55, 72-75, 105-91.

—GMA Integrated News