PBA

Barangay Ginebra books semis slot after beating Rain or Shine

Top seed Barangay Ginebra needed only one game to book its slot in the semifinals after beating Rain or Shine, 81-73, in the quarterfinals of the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday.

Japeth Aguilar finished with a double-double performance of 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Gin Kings past the gritty showing of the Elasto Painters.

Rain or Shine, the eighth seed, had a real chance of dragging Ginebra to a do-or-die match after trailing by only one, 72-71, with less than five minutes left.

But the Kings calmly responded with a 9-0 run and played excellent defense in the final minute to put the E-Painters away for good.

Ginebra now awaits the winner between San Miguel Beer and Meralco for their semifinals opponent.

Box score:

Barangay Ginebra — Aguilar 23, Mariano 11, Caperal 11, Pringle 10, Tenorio 8, Thompson 7, Dillinger 4, Devance 4, Chan 3, Tolentino 0.

Rain or Shine — Borboran 13, Mocon 12, Nambatac 10, Belga 9, Yap 8, Onwubere 6, Wong 6, Ponferada 5, Araña 2, Rosales 2, Norwood 0, Torres 0.

—MGP, GMA News