Ginebra continues mastery over Meralco, nears semis stint

Barangay Ginebra took another win at the expense of the Meralco Bolts, 100-92, in the Game 1 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals bout last night, February 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was the fifth straight win of the Gin Kings this season against Meralco, whom they swept in their semifinals match-up last Governors’ Cup, 3-0, and defeated in the elimination round of this season’s Comm’s Cup.

Scottie Thompson had an all-around game to lead the way for Ginebra, tallying 23 points, seven rebounds, six assists, seven steals, and a block.

Justin Brownlee also chipped in 23 markers, while Japeth Aguilar and RJ Abarrientos added 19 and 14, respectively.

With the victory, the Gin Kings can close out the series on Friday, February 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, and advance to the Final Four once again.

Meanwhile, Meralco’s team captain Chris Newsome paced the Bolts with 20, while the import Akil Mitchell, who just returned to action after missing their past two games (three including their EASL stint), added 19.

Jansen Rios, Chris Banchero, and Bong Quinto also scored in double-digits for Meralco but not enough to survive the Gin King’s mastery.

The Bolts will be in a must-win situation on Friday to force a sudden-death battle on Sunday, February 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

GINEBRA 100 - Brownlee 25, Thompson 23, J. Aguilar 19, Abarrientos 14, Rosario 8, Malonzo 7, Holt 6, Ahanmisi 0.

MERALCO 92 - Newsome 20, Mitchell 19, Rios 13, Banchero 12, Quinto 11, Almazan 8, Black 5, Hodge 4, Bates 0, Cansino 0.

Quarter Scores: 24-17, 50-47, 78-76, 100-92.