PBA: Barangay Ginebra, Meralco dominate Blackwater, Terrafirma

Barangay Ginebra and Meralco dominated their respective foes, Blackwater and Terrafirma, as they strengthened their bids for quarterfinal berths in the PBA Philippine Cup on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Barangay Ginebra defeated Blackwater, 103-85, pulling away in the second quarter with a commanding 40-20 run to take a 63-42 lead at halftime. The Gin Kings continued to pour it on in the second half, building their largest lead at 98-71 with 4:47 left in the fourth period before Blackwater responded with an 8-0 run.

Still, Ginebra’s cushion proved enough to fend off the Bossing.

RJ Abarrientos led Ginebra with 15 points, while Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray added 12 points apiece. Jayson David chipped in 11 points, and Troy Rosario contributed 10 as the team improved to 4-4.

Dalph Panopio paced Blackwater with 22 points, while Sedrick Barefield and Abu Tratter added 17 and 12, respectively, as the Bossing absorbed their eighth straight defeat after winning their season opener.

Earlier, Meralco rolled past Terrafirma, 120-87, to also improve to 4-4.

CJ Cansino topscored for the Bolts with 20 points, while Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome put up 13 and 12 points, respectively. Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan added 11 points each.

Mark Nonoy led the Dyip with 22 points, while Paolo Hernandez and Louie Sangalang contributed 18 and 13, respectively, as Terrafirma slipped to 1-8.

Meralco and Barangay Ginebra are now tied at seventh place, while Blackwater and Terrafirma have been eliminated from playoff contention.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News