Defending champion Barangay Ginebra showed no signs of rustiness as it walloped Converge, 100-86, in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Gin Kings banked on their front court duo anchored on new reinforcement Tony Bishop and starting center Christian Standhardinger as they towed the league’s most popular team quickly to the win column.
Bishop, who used to play for Ginebra’s long-time rival, Meralco, two seasons ago, played very much at home with his new team.
He pumped in 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds, picked up three steals and blocked two shots.
Standhardinger, on the other hand, produced 25 points and 16 boards.
The loss was the third in a row for Converge, which dropped at the bottom of the standings with an 0-3 record.