Thompson hits game-winning shot to win Christmas Clasico
Barangay Ginebra emerged victorious as they eked out a 95-92 win against the Magnolia Hotshots in their Christmas Clasico duel in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, December 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Scottie Thompson spearheaded the thrilling victory after firing a game-winning triple at the left corner as the fourth quarter buzzer sounded to complete the Gin Kings’ 22-point comeback, improving their record to 4-2.
RJ Abarrientos was named Player of the Game, finishing with 20 points and five assists. His valiant efforts helped the team escape its deep rut and cleared the path for Thompson.
“They were designed for RJ to make a decision,” coach Tim Cone said of the final moments of the contest. “We put the game in RJ’s hands and he delivered with a great pass to Scottie.”
Ginebra cut its deficit in half to 67-78 as Abarrientos scored three consecutive three-pointers to conclude the third period. Then, in the decider round, Abarrientos sank eight more points before setting up Thompson for the shot that sent more than 12,000 fans into a frenzy.
It was also a noteworthy night for Thompson as he became the 32nd player in the league to reach the historic milestone of 2,000 assists.
Import Justin Brownlee registered a game-high 28 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists, while Thompson posted 14 markers, five boards and six dimes.
The Hotshots, on the other hand, dropped to 2-5 slate.
Magnolia Import Ricardo Ratliffe led the Hotshots with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. Mark Barroca tallied 13, while Paul Lee and Ian Sangalang chipped in 11 apiece.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 95 – Brownlee 28, Abarrientos 20, Rosario 15, Thompson 14, J.Aguilar 8, Holt 5, M. Ahanmisi 5, Tenorio 0, Cu 0, Mariano 0.
MAGNOLIA 92 – Ratliffe 17, Barroca 13, Lee 11, Sangalang 11, Lucero 8, Balanza 8, Dela Rosa 7, Dionisio 6, Lastimosa 6, Abueva 5, J. Ahanmisi 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-30, 41-55, 67-78, 95-92.
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