PBA: Barangay Ginebra routs Phoenix, advances to Commissioner's Cup semis

Barangay Ginebra routed Phoenix, 112-81, on Friday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to advance to the semifinals.

After a tight opening quarter that saw Barangay Ginebra take a slim 30-29 lead, the Gin Kings erupted for 34 points in the second period while holding the Fuel Masters to just 15 to build a commanding 64-44 advantage at halftime.

Barangay Ginebra continued to dominate in the third quarter, limiting Phoenix to only 10 points while pouring in 26 of their own to put the game out of reach. During the period, however, Justin Brownlee returned to the dugout after appearing to hurt his hamstring.

He later returned to the bench in the fourth quarter, where Barangay Ginebra built its biggest lead at 101-61 with 8:21 remaining before eventually sealing the victory.

“I just thought we really executed at a high level. Even when Justin left the floor, we continued to execute at a high level, generated a lot of good open looks, and the ball moved. Defensively, in the beginning, we were giving up a lot of layups, a lot of direct drives to the basket. In the second quarter, we cleaned it up a little bit. With good offense and good defense, we were able to stretch the lead,” Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said.

Brownlee finished with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists to lead Barangay Ginebra, while Scottie Thompson tallied 16 points, nine rebounds, nine assists, and a steal. RJ Abarrientos and Stephen Holt added 16 and 11 points, respectively.

Ricci Rivero paced Phoenix with 15 points and eight rebounds, while import Johnathan Williams posted 13 points, 11 boards, and three assists.

The Gin Kings will face Rain or Shine in the semifinals after the Elasto Painters defeated San Miguel, 113-104, earlier in the day.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 112 – Brownlee 24, Thompson 16, Abarrientos 16, Holt 11, J.Aguilar 8, Rosario 8, Pinto 7, Gray 6, Estil 5, Cu 3, Torres 2, Go 2, R.Aguilar 2, Carino 2, Abis 0.

Phoenix 81 – Rivero 15, Williams 13, Nelle 9, Tuffin 9, Perkins 7, Tio 7, Ando 7, Ynot 6, Cullar 3, Santos 3, Daves 2, Gozum 0, Delos Santos 0.

Quarters: 30-29, 64-44, 90-54, 112-81.

—JKC, GMA News