its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Japeth Aguilar powered his way to 17 points and 10 rebounds while Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos were also instrumental in the Gin Kings’ bounce back showing after dropping their opening assignment to the Magnolia Hotshots 10 days earlier.
Rosario also had a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, Abarrientos put up 14 points despite dealing with flu, and Thompson added 10 points and nine rebounds after being held scoreless against the Hotshots.
Ginebra improved to 1-1 after a listless shooting by TNT in the first quarter contributed to the lopsided contest between the two teams engaged in two Finals matchups last season.
The Gin Kings won the first half of a busy schedule this week that will end with a showdown with another rival in the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the Big Dome.
TNT likewise dropped to 1-1 as it was left to play catch-up throughout after being down by 24. The Tropang 5G eventually got their shooting on the right track behind Simon Enciso, but it proved too late.
Enciso finished with 17 points for the losing TNT side, which next faces Converge on Saturday in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.