Streaking Gin Kings trounce Batang Pier
MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra pulled away in the final quarter and scored a crucial 103-93 victory over a gritty NorthPort side in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
This victory gave the crowd-favorites their third straight win.
The Gin Kings were leading by five, 84-79, with 8:30 remaining in the game after a pull-up jumper by Arvin Tolentino.
Ginebra erupted for 12 straight points in the next four minutes capped by a Mav Ahanmisi 3-pointer as they took a 96-79 lead with 4:37 left.
The run was just broken with a pull-up jumper by Fran Yu.
Tony Bishop, on the other end, answered with a jumper as Ginebra maintained the 17-point advantage.
Tolentino tried to tow NorthPort back to the game, making a 3-pointer and a pair of free throws.
Ginebra, however, was just too good as Bishop and Scottie Thompson secured the victory with key shots down the stretch.
NorthPort ended the final minute and a half with seven straight points, but it was not enough to grab the victory.
Ginebra broke a 69-all deadlock in the third quarter and took a 77-72 lead over NorthPort heading into the final quarter.
The two teams started the final frame trading baskets, as the lead grew to eight early, 83-75.
Tolentino and Ahanmisi exchanged key shots early, setting the stage for the furious Gin Kings rally.
Bishop had a monster double-double for Ginebra, finishing with 26 points and 16 boards.
Jamie Malonzo and Christian Standhardinger had 16 points apiece. Thompson flirted with a triple-double with seven points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.
Tolentino once again led NorthPort with 27 points off the bench.
Jois followed suit with 21 markers and 17 boards in the losing effort.
With the win, four teams -- Phoenix, Meralco, San Miguel and Ginebra -- have seven wins.
Phoenix and Meralco have two defeats, while the two SMC teams have three losses.
Only four teams will clinch twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinals. Magnolia, as the top seed of the tournament, holds the first one.
NorthPort ended its elimination round with a 6-5 slate. The squad is currently solo sixth in the tourney.
