PBA: Ginebra routs NorthPort, arranges semis date vs. SMB

Barangay Ginebra simply found the answer to every threat posed by NorthPort as it cruised to a 106-93 victory during their quarterfinals bout on Friday in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena.

With the win, the Gin Kings set up a best-of-five semifinals affair with sister team San Miguel, which earlier held off Rain or Shine in the other quarterfinal pairing. The Batang Pier, who were missing the services of top scorer Arvin Tolentino, were booted out. 

Ginebra was at the driver’s seat almost the entire game, but the Batang Pier had a strong third quarter finish that allowed them to pull within 10, 63-73, after back-to-back baskets from import Venky Jois.

Poise eventually was on full display for the defending champions as they ignited from deep to create more separation. Maverick Ahanmisi buried two triples while Tony Bishop and Stanley Pringle nailed one three-pointer each as the Gin Kings built a 94-78 cushion halfway through the final period. 

JM Calma tried to rally NorthPort after completing eight straight points in the final minutes but his efforts went for naught as Ginebra had more than in its arsenal to complete the win. 

Bishop tallied a double-double outing of 31 points and 15 rebounds alongside four assists and a steal while Jaime Malonzo scattered 21 markers, seven boards, two dimes, and a steal. 

Christian Standhardinger also churned out a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds together with seven assists and a block while Ahanmisi finished with 16 markers. 

This is the second straight conference that Ginebra and San Miguel will face each other in the semifinals stage as they also squared off in the 2022-2023 Governors' Cup, where Ginerba swept the series before falling to TNT in the finals. 

Scores:

Brangay Ginebra 106 – Bishop 31, Malonzo 21, Standhardinger 18, Ahanmisi 16, Pringle 8, Thompson 4, Tenorio 3, Pinto 3, J.Aguilar 2, Onwubere 0, Pessumal 0.

NorthPort 93 – Munzon 19, Calma 19, Jois 18, Zamar 12, Paraiso 5, Flores 4, Bulanadi 4, Yu 3, Chan 3, Taha 2, Rosales 2, Adamos 2, Amores 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 55-35, 76-63, 106-93.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News