Tony Bishop allayed concerns that his injured knee would hinder Barangay Ginebra’s chances of making it to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

“It’s no concern. Don’t worry about it. I’m a tough player,” stated the 34-year-old Bishop following Sunday night’s 103-93 victory over Northport Batang Pier at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After hurting his knee during practice, Bishop missed the previous two days of practice, according to Ginebra coach Tim Cone. Bishop was actually declared out of the game against the Batang Pier.

Despite his injuries, Bishop contributed significantly to the Kings’ third straight victory. He finished with 26 points, 16 rebounds, and two assists, and he was a part of the crucial 12-0 run the reigning champs executed in the fourth quarter to give them the advantage against Northport.

In addition to tying San Miguel at 7-3, Ginebra’s victory maintained its chances of securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Cone spoke on his importance. His ability to substitute for guys improves our defense significantly. And his length gives him authority over the board. I am constantly assuring him that anything he provides for us is merely the cherry on top. “It was really a great performance tonight on both sides of the floor,”

Bishop, being the real warrior that he is, stated that he will continue to play for Ginebra despite having a bruised knee.

In the interim, midway through the last quarter, Barangay Ginebra made a decisive run that allowed them to defeat Northport 103-93 and maintain their hopes of securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

Japeth Aguilar, Tony Bishop, Scottie Thompson, and Maverick Ahanmisi, who eventually managed to break free from a fierce Batang Pier team, made the Kings’ 12-0 rout possible.

Ahanmisi’s corner three with 4:37 remaining in the game played in front of a sizable Sunday crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, cut a five-point Ginebra lead to 96-79.

The Kings’ victory was their third in a row, and they tied San Miguel Beer at 7-3 for fourth and fifth position, respectively.

Coach Tim Cone said that although Bishop was a game-time decision, he led the Kings with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals.

For Ginebra, Jamie Malonzo and Christian Standhardingere finished with 16 points apiece. Aguilar (15 points), Ahanmisi (13 points), and Stanley Pringle (10 points) all scored in double figures.

Despite finishing with just seven points, Thompson pulled down seven rebounds and accounted for ten of the Kings’ thirty-five assists.

Northport was led by Arvin Tolentino, who went 4-of-8 from three-point range for 27 points. Jois Venky, an international, finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds.

Before the Kings made that incredible run that changed the game, the Batang Pier played a close and competitive game for the most of it. With 8:29 remaining, they were still within striking distance at 84-79.

With four minutes remaining in the game, Barangay Ginebra led 96-81 before rookie Fran Yu broke the drought for Northport.

“We had to earn the victory tonight. They really made us earn it. And we had to battle,” Cone of the Barangay Ginebra said.

Northport failed to secure a twice-to-beat advantage going into the playoffs, finishing its elimination round campaign with a 6-5 record.

The Scores

Ginebra  103 – Bishop 26, Malonzo 16, Standhardinger 16, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Pringle 10, Thompson 7, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, Onwubere 0, Cu 0, Gumaru 0.

Northport 93 – Tolentino 27, Jois 21, Zamar 11, Calma 10, Yu 8, Munzon 6, Chan 5, Paraiso 5, Flores 0, Rosales 0, Amores 0, Adamos 0.

Quarters cores: 24-26; 50-50; 77-72; 103-93.