PBA: Barangay Ginebra piles on Rain or Shine woes, tightens grip on twice-to-beat bid

Barangay Ginebra handed Rain or Shine just its second straight loss in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, cruising to a 114-90 blowout victory on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

A blazing second half powered the Gin Kings to the 24-point victory and an 8-3 mark, strengthening their twice-to-beat bid and forcing a tie for second with the Elasto Painters.

Barangay Ginebra put on an offensive masterclass against Rain or Shine, a team known for its explosive scoring.

The Gin Kings shot a total 21 three-pointers, including 13 in the second half, despite only fielding eight players. Justin Brownlee led that outburst after the resident import poured 40 points on 6-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc.

Brownlee also grabbed eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and one steal while RJ Abarrientos shot four triples to finish with 23 markers and 11 dimes. Scottie Thompson and Troy Rosario chipped in 17 and 13 markers apiece.

Ralph Cu also delivered a big performance, finishing with 15 points—all from beyond the three-point arc as Ginebra tallied its all-time franchise record for three-pointers made in a single game.

More than its offense, Ginebra showcased a defense that made life difficult for the Elasto Painters.

The Gin Kings held Rain or Shine to a woeful 36.9% shooting from the field, with Elasto Painters import Jaylen Johnson managing just 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting while usual gunners Gian Mamuyac and Anton Asistio chipped in 14 and 13 points respectively. Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 114 – Brownlee 40, Abarrientos 23, Thompson 17, Cu 15, Rosario 13, Holt 4, Torres 2, Pinto 0.

Rain or Shine 90 – Johnson 16, Mamuyac 14, Asistio 13, Nocum 10, Santillan 8, Tiongosn 8, Villegas 6, Cuajao 6, Caracut 5, Malonzo 2, Manaytay 0, Clarito 0, David 0.

Quarters: 21-20, 51-42, 86-70, 114-90.

—JKC, GMA News