Pinto’s Leadership Propels Depleted Ginebra To First PBA On Tour Win

In a game that showcased the resilience and depth of Barangay Ginebra, Nard John Pinto stepped up to lead the team to their first victory in the PBA on Tour. With several key players absent, Pinto embraced the next-man mentality and delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points and leading the Kings to a 95-89 triumph over the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

Ginebra had faced setbacks in their first two preseason games, suffering defeats against San Miguel Beer and Magnolia. However, Pinto’s stellar play, combined with the contributions of Aljon Mariano, Raymond Aguilar, and Jason David, propelled the team to a hard-fought win.

Pinto not only led the scoring for Ginebra but also displayed his playmaking skills, recording seven assists and grabbing four rebounds. Mariano and Aguilar, who had been instrumental in the team’s previous outings, continued to make their presence felt, contributing a combined 33 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.

David, a recent addition to Ginebra’s roster from their 3×3 team, had a breakout game against the Fuel Masters, scoring 15 points and making valuable contributions with seven rebounds and three assists.

The game was a closely contested affair in the first half, with both teams engaged in a nip-and-tuck battle. However, Ginebra created a gap in the third quarter, building a double-digit advantage of 78-68 heading into the final frame. Despite a valiant effort from the Fuel Masters, they were unable to overcome Ginebra’s lead.

RJ Jazul led the scoring for Phoenix with 18 points, supported by Reden Celda’s 17-point contribution. However, their efforts fell short as the Fuel Masters suffered their third consecutive loss in the tournament, sliding to a 2-3 record.

The game also saw the end of Raul Soyud’s streak of double-double performances, as he was limited to 16 minutes of play due to a right ankle injury. He finished with eight points, six rebounds, and one assist. Larry Muyang’s double-double streak also came to a halt, as he recorded just five rebounds to go along with his 13 points.

On a positive note for Ginebra, Javee Mocon made his presence felt after returning from a long layoff. He contributed 14 points and nine rebounds, making an immediate impact on the court.

The victory for Ginebra not only marks their first win in the preseason but also highlights the team’s ability to overcome adversity. With key players absent, the bench players rose to the occasion and showcased their talent and determination.

As the PBA on Tour continues, Ginebra aims to build on this win and further improve their performance. The team’s reserves have proven their worth, providing crucial contributions that will undoubtedly aid the team when the regular season begins.

The PBA on Tour remains an excellent platform for Ginebra to develop their game and grow as a team. The absence of star players offers an opportunity for others to step up and contribute, setting the stage for a compelling and exciting season ahead.