PBA: Ginebra praises Bol Bol after tough battle vs TNT

Barangay Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos tries desperately to contain TNT big man Bol Bol during their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra’s RJ Abarrientos and coach Tim Cone couldn’t help but marvel at TNT import Bol Bol after their keenly awaited matchup in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night.

The Gin Kings overcame the skilled 7-foot-3 Bol to fend off the Tropang 5G, 93-86, and claim the No. 2 spot at the end of the elimination round.

READ: PBA: Barangay Ginebra edges TNT to clinch second seed

“I think whoever guards or tries to get a rebound over Bol will have a hard time, so we just did our best to get our momentum and the win,” said Abarrientos.

“We were just so ready. Going up against TNT is like a stepping stone for us into the playoffs against whoever we’ll face,” he added, before finding out they’ll face Phoenix in the quarters.

Abarrientos dropped 17 points, four rebounds and three assists to help Ginebra hold off TNT late after squandering a 15-point lead.

Despite the Gin Kings’ best efforts in trying to contain the former NBA talent, Bol still managed to dominate anew with 33 points on top of 10 rebounds and five blocks.

READ: PBA: Ginebra shows value of late games with win vs Rain or Shine

TNT center Bol Bol dunks against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Unfortunately for Tropang 5G, Calvin Oftana was their only other player who reached double-figure scoring with 11 points as they slid to eighth with a 6-6 slate to set up a playoff matchup against streaking top seed NLEX.

“He’s such a force in the game, especially here in our game,” said the national team coach.

“They talk about him so much in the NBA too when he was out there playing. We had the honor of watching him for 12 games played here and I think it’s an honor to go up against him here in the country and give him a challenge.”