Ginebra grabs another win, gets closer to another Finals stint

Barangay Ginebra moved one step closer to another Finals appearance in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semi-finals after dominating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 127-100, on Sunday night, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jamie Malonzo, named Best Player of the Game, led the Gin Kings with 27 points, including an impressive 4-of-5 from beyond the arc, while grabbing eight rebounds. It was a breakout performance for Malonzo, who returned to action last January after missing several months due to a left calf injury.

Ginebra’s resident import, Justin Brownlee, provided solid support with 22 points, shooting 5-of-7 from three-point range.

Veterans Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, and Troy Rosario also contributed significantly, scoring 17, 15, and 10 points, respectively.

Off the bench, RJ Abarrientos made an impact with a double-double of 10 points and 10 assists, posting a plus-24 rating whenever he was on the floor.

On the other hand, NorthPort’s Kadeem Jack put up a game-high 32 points along with four assists, two steals, and a block. However, he managed just three rebounds.

Arvin Tolentino, a leading candidate for Best Player of the Conference, struggled offensively, finishing with 15 points on 5-of-14 shooting, including a cold 1-of-6 from three-point range.

Paolo Taha was the only other NorthPort player to score in double figures, contributing 10 points on an efficient 5-of-6 shooting.

Ginebra’s depth proved crucial, outscoring NorthPort’s bench 58-39, allowing them to maintain control throughout the game.

The Gin Kings will have a chance to close out the series on Wednesday, March 5, at 2 PM, at the same venue.

GINEBRA 127 - Malonzo 25, Brownlee 22, J. Aguilar 17, Thompson 15, Rosario 10, Abarrientos 10, Ahanmisi 6, Holt 5, Pessumal 4, Gray 4, R. Aguilar 3, Adamos 2, Mariano 2, Tenorio 2, Cu 0, Pinto 0.

NORTHPORT 100 - Jack 32, Tolentino 15, Taha 11, Yu 6, Miranda 6, Bulanadi 6, Munzon 5, Cuntapay 5, Flores 4, Nelle 3, Navarro 3, Tratter 2, Onwubere 2.

Quarter Scores: 30-21, 64-40, 99-68, 127-100.