Barangay Ginebra ousts NorthPort, sets up Finals date vs TNT

Barangay Ginebra is once again heading to the PBA Finals.

Barangay Ginebra dominated NorthPort in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals, 126-99, on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After leading 62-53 at the half, the Gin Kings pulled away in the third period and had its biggest lead, 89-58, after a Jamie Malonzo triple at the 5:52 mark. The said frame closed at 97-76 before they cruised onto the victory.

Justine Brownlee had 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while RJ Abarrientos had 20 points, 10 assists, four rebounds, and two steals. Jamie Malonzo added 20 points of his own on top of six boards and three assists.

NorthPort import Kadeem Jack, meanwhile, had 31 points, while Allyn Bulanadi had 26 points. Joshua Munzon added 12 points, while Arvin Tolentino was limited to nine points.

With the win, Barangay Ginebra will face TNT in the best-of-seven finals series which will start on March 14.

Last conference, Barangay Ginebra and TNT also faced off, with TNT bringing home the Governors' Cup title.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 126 – Brownlee 21, Abarrientos 20, Malonzo 20, J.Aguilar 18, Thompson 14, Rosario 11, Ahanmisi 9, Holt 7, Mariano 2, Pinto 2, Adamos 2, Cu 0, Pessumal 0, R. Aguilar 0.

NorthPort 99 – Jack 31, Bulanadi 26, Munzon 12, Taha 10, Tolentino 9, Navarro 9, Onwubere 2, Nelle 0, Flores 0, Cuntapay 0.

Quarters: 23-22, 62-53, 97-76, 126-99.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News