PBA: Barangay Ginebra ousts Rain or Shine, reaches Commissioner's Cup finals

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel advanced to the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals after fending off Rain or Shine, 118-107, in Game 6 of their semifinal series on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The victory secured Barangay Ginebra's 32nd overall Finals appearance and seventh in the Commissioner's Cup after closing out the series, 4-2.

Barangay Ginebra built a 60-45 halftime lead before Rain or Shine responded by outscoring the Gin Kings, 40-33, in the third quarter to cut the deficit to eight, 93-85.

However, the Gin Kings held off the Elasto Painters in the fourth period. After Rain or Shine trimmed the lead to 110-102 with 2:45 remaining, Barangay Ginebra responded with a decisive 6-0 run to put the game out of reach.

That proved enough to fend off the Elasto Painters and seal the victory.

“We didn’t want to play a Game 7 against a Yeng Guiao team. That would’ve been a disaster for us,” Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said.

“Yeng’s teams are too prepared, which made it a terrific battle the whole series. Just trying to keep up with them was a trial for us.”

RJ Abarrientos powered Barangay Ginebra with 30 points, highlighted by four triples, along with seven assists, six rebounds, three steals, and a block. Import Justin Brownlee, meanwhile, finished with 31 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block.

Import Jaylen Johnson posted 27 points, 14 rebounds, and four assists for Rain or Shine, while Gian Mamuyac paced the locals with 25 points and two rebounds.

Barangay Ginebra will play TNT in the finals.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 118 – Brownlee 31, Abarrientos 30, Thompson 16, Cu 11, Go 9, Holt 6, Gray 5, Rosario 4, J.Aguilar 4, Pinto 2.

Rain or Shine 107 – Johnson 27, Mamuyac 25, Nocum 16, Tiongson 12, Asistio 10, Santillan 6, Clarito 6, David 3, Malonzo 2, Manaytay 0, Caracut 0.

Quarters: 22-22, 60-45, 93-85, 118-107.

—JKC, GMA News