Stanley Pringle took credit not for his big contributions when he led the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings with 31 points on Tuesday evening at the Angeles University Foundation Sports Arena and Cultural Center in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Pringle’s attitude and lack of a superstar mindset during their game against the Alaska Aces drew praises from coach Tim Cone.
“It’s such a luxury to have a guy like Stanley on the team. He can do so many things,” said Cone in the Gin Kings’ 87-81 victory over the Alaska Aces in the resumption of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup
The Gin Kings tried something different in the first half, and in doing so, struggled as Alaska led by as many as 13 in the first half, 29-16, with Rodney Brondial’s three-pointer giving the Aces a 13-point spread.
When Ginebra began playing its usual game, it was able to close in 31-28, with Pringle showing the way with 20 points.
Aljon Mariano then hit seven of his 14-point tally in the third period alone, helping the Gin Kings move ahead, 61-56, at the start of the final quarter.
“The great thing about Stanley is he’s not a spoiled superstar. He’s over himself and not thinking about himself at any moment,” added Cone.
With their win, the Gin Kings stopped their two-game slide to pick up their fifth win in seven games.
“The game we played in the first half was terrible, that was totally on me,” added Cone.