Barangay Ginebra dominates NorthPort to gain 2-0 lead in semis

Barangay Ginebra took a 2-0 lead in the PBA Commissioner's Cup best-of-seven semifinals after dominating NorthPort, 119-106, on Friday at the Philsports Arena.

Ginebra led 68-39 by the end of the first half before taking a commanding lead, 74-39, early in the third period. 

NorthPort tried to catch up in the second half as it outscored Ginebra, 28-25, in the third period and 39-26 in the final frame, but time was not on the Batang Pier's side.

The game, however, saw Jeremiah Gray return to action for Barangay Ginebra after almost a year and a half of recovery from a knee injury as he played for 9:16 minutes and had six points, two rebounds, and a steal. 

"We're just happy that they're (Gray and Jamie Malonzo) able to play on the floor and contribute," head coach Tim Cone said.

Japeth Aguilar, meanwhile, tied his season-high of 31 points, along with eight rebounds, an assist, and a block. Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson, meanwhile, had 17 and 16 points, respectively for Barangay Ginebra. Justin Brownlee was limited to 10 points but had 11 assists, two steals, and one block.

NorthPort import Kadeem Jack had 27 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block, while Will Navarro had 23 points, 12 boards, four assists, and a steal.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 119 – J.Aguilar 31, Malonzo 17, Thompson 16, Rosario 11, Abarrientos 11, Brownlee 10, Ahanmisi 8, Holt 7, Gray 6, Pinto 2, Pessumal 0, Cu 0, Adamos 0, R.Aguilar 0, Mariano 0.

NorthPort 106 – Jack 27, Navarro 23, Munzon 14, Tolentino 12, Bulanadi 10, Nelle 6, Yu 5, Miranda 5, Taha 3, Onwubere 1, Flores 0, Cuntapay 0.

Quarters: 35-22, 68-39, 93-67, 119-106.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News