By REYNALD MAGALLON
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel asserted its mastery over NorthPort, 118-102, and to gained a headstart in their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday on Dec. 7.
Justin Brownlee once again took over for the Gin Kings, coming through with a third quarter show that allowed his team to create some separation and pull away for good to extend their winning run over the Batang Pier to nine straight games.
Brownlee exploded for 39 points – 19 of which he dropped in the third quarter including a personal 7-0 run where he gave the Kings a 10-point spread, 83-73, after only taking 75-73 lead.
Ginebra never looked back from there as it even stretched the lead to as many as 20 points, 106-86, early in the final quarter. The resident Ginebra import added eight rebounds and seven assists while also getting ample support from his local supporting cast led by Stanley Pringle and Jamie Malonzo who added 16 and 13 points, respectively.
Arvin Tolentino continued to shine against his former team finishing with 29 points and eight rebounds while Robert Bolick backstopped him with 21 points and eight assists.
Their efforts however went futile as the Kings led from start to finish in the contest although the Batang Pier managed to stay within striking distance and even tying the game at 70-all with still 4:38 left in the third quarter.
Brownlee triggered a crucial 19-4 run that all but broke the backs of the Batang Pier.
Ginebra can close out the series on Saturday, Dec. 10, with the NorthPort also hoping to extend the series to a rubbermatch still at the PhilSports Arena.
GINEBRA 118 – Brownlee 39, Pringle 16, Malonzo 13, Tenorio 12, Thompson 11, Gray 9, J.Aguilar 7, Mariano 6, Standhardinger 5.
NORTHPORT 102 – Tolentino 29, Bolick 21, Ibeh 18, Ferrer 15, Sumang 9, Navarro 8, Ayaay 2, Chan 0, Calma 0, Balanza 0.
Quarters: 29-24, 56-50, 89-74, 118-102
