PBA: Meralco halts Barangay Ginebra's five-game win streak

Meralco cruised past Barangay Ginebra, 112-91, to snap the Gin Kings’ five-game winning streak on Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After a competitive first quarter that saw the Bolts take a 31-27 lead, Meralco broke the game open in the second period, outscoring Ginebra 29-13 to build a commanding 60-40 advantage at halftime.

The Bolts maintained control the rest of the way, weathering Ginebra’s late rally attempt, including a 12-0 run in the final period.

Meralco leaned on a balanced offensive attack, with import Marvin Jones and CJ Cansino scoring 18 points apiece. Chris Newsome added 12 points, while Cliff Hodge and Bong Quinto chipped in 11 each.

The loss spoiled a 24-point performance from RJ Abarrientos for Barangay Ginebra. Resident import Justin Brownlee finished with 23 points, six assists, five rebounds, three steals, and one block.

With the win, Meralco improved to 6-3 to stay in contention for a playoff bonus, while Barangay Ginebra dropped to 7-3.

Scores:

Meralco 112 – Jones 18, Cansino 18, Newsome 12, Hodge 11, Quinto 11, Brickman 10, Banchero 10, Black 8, Bates 4, Magbuhos 3, Maliksi 3, Mocon 2, Pascual 0, Caram 0, Comia 0.

Barangay Ginebra 91 – Abarrientos 24, Brownlee 23, Thompson 8, Holt 8, Gray 8, Abis 6, Go 6, Rosario 4, Estil 2, Carino 2, Cu 0, Pinto 0, Torres 0.

Quarters: 31-27, 60-40, 90-65, 112-91.

—JKC, GMA News