Ginebra Gin Kings’ Jamie Malonzo in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra kept Rain or Shine at bay on Friday night to hack out a 113-107 victory and get its PBA Philippine Cup campaign off the right foot.
Jamie Malonzo reset his career-best scoring output with 32 points and added eight rebounds four blocks and a pair of steals to his name in his first organized basketball since figuring in a fistfight last month.
#JamieMalonzo talks about getting his career-high 32 points in #Ginebra’s win over #RainOrShine in the #PBA #PhilippineCup despite the noise surrounding him.
Follow @INQUIRERSports on Tiktok for more. pic.twitter.com/0b9PIjtRwR
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 8, 2024
Christian Standhardinger and Maverick Ahanmisi tossed in 18 points each to help the crowd darlings survive a pesky fightback from the ever-pesky ElastoPainters.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
Malonzo, his left eye still with traces of hematoma, said it has been tough picking himself up after the incident which was caught on video and went viral in days leading up to the tournament.
He gamely responded to a pair of questions until the customary post-game chat for winning teams wrapped up.
Anton Asistio finished with 21 points, Santi Santillian, Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac added 16 points each while Adrian Nocum 12 as Rain or Shine stayed winless in three games.
READ: PBA player Jamie Malonzo apologizes after fistfight video goes viral
On tap for Barangay Ginebra is Phoenix, which lost to NorthPort in the earlier match.
The Painters, meanwhile, will try to end the bleeding against another powerhouse that will make its conference debut in San Miguel.
Ginebra vs Rain or Shine scores
GINEBRA 113 – Malonzo 32, Standhardinger 18, Ahanmisi 18, J.Aguilar 17, Pringle 12, Cu 7, Pinto 5, Gumaru 3, Tenorio 1, Pessumal 0, Onwubere 0
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RAIN OR SHINE 107 – Asistio 21, Caracut 16, Santillan 16, Mamuyac 16, Belga 9, Borboran 8, Norwood 5, Clarito 4, Datu 0, Demusis 0
Quarterscores: 33-26, 58-52, 92-79, 113-107.