Ginebra routs Phoenix, sets up semis duel with ROS

Sports

THE Barangay Ginebra Kings easily booked a semifinal ticket when they totally outplayed the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 112-81, in the quarterfinal round of the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday night, May 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

The 31-point rout sent the Kings to a best-of-seven semifinal series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, who advanced to the Final 4 by beating the San Miguel Beermen earlier, 113-104.

Armed with a twice-to-beat bonus, the No. 2 seed Kings wasted no time in clinching a semis ticket, breaking the game wide open in the second period after a tight first-quarter battle.

Ginebra was just ahead by a point after 12 minutes of play, 30-29, but started the second stanza with a 14-2 blitz and went on to erect a 64-44 lead at the half.

Ginebra continued its onslaught in the second half and even led by as many as 40 points en route to the lopsided victory.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra’s balanced attack by finishing with 24 points whila slo adding five rebounds and five assists.

Scottie Thompson added 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists while RJ Abarrientos collected 16 points, five boards, and five assists. Stephen Holt threw in 11 markers and Japeth Aguilar had eight points.

Ricci Rivero and import Johnathan Williams were the only Fuel Masters to score in double figures with 15 each as No. 7 seed Phoenix faltered in its bid to secure its first-ever semifinal appearance.

THE SCORES:

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.QUARTERSCORES: 30-29, 64-44, 90-54, 112-81.(CCM)