Hong Kong Eastern handed the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings their first loss, 93-90, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, December 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Eastern had their biggest lead, 70-57, around the halfway mark of the third period before the said frame closed at 73-67, in favor of the Hong Kong-based team.

In the fourth period, Eastern led 88-80 with less than three minutes left before Barangay Ginebra attempted a comeback. Ginebra went as close as 89-86 with 1:04 left, but Hayden Blankley made a basket to further widen Eastern’s lead.

Free throws from Japeth Aguilar and RJ Abarrientos put Barangay Ginebra within one, 91-90, with four ticks left, before freebies from Blankley off a Stephen Holt foul put Eastern at 93. Scottie Thompson missed his final attempt as the Hong Kong-based squad notched their third straight win.

Blankley had 25 points, while Chris McLaughlin had 20 points and 21 boards as Eastern improved to 5-1.

Japeth Aguilar had 26 points, while Justine Brownlee had 18 points and 12 rebounds as Ginebra slipped to 2-1. (GMA Integrated News)