Strong Start Puts Ginebra in Control
The Barangay Ginebra Kings continued their dominant run, securing a commanding 119-106 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier in Game 2 of their best-of-seven PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Following their impressive second-half performance in Game 1, the Kings took control early, overwhelming NorthPort as early as the second quarter.
Early Breakaway Secures Comfortable Lead
Ginebra’s defensive intensity and sharp shooting allowed them to establish a massive 65-35 lead, closing the first half ahead at 68-39. Their defensive strategy successfully contained NorthPort’s key players, Kadeem Jack and Arvin Tolentino, holding them to just 10 points combined in the first half. Meanwhile, William Navarro and Allyn Bulanadi led NorthPort’s efforts with 14 and 10 points, respectively.
The Kings’ early offensive firepower came from Jamie Malonzo, Scottie Thompson, Maverick Ahanmisi, Jeremiah Gray, and Justin Brownlee, who all contributed with three-pointers to widen the gap.
Balanced Attack Leads to Victory
Japeth Aguilar was a major force, scoring a season-high-equaling 31 points with 8 rebounds. Malonzo (17), Thompson (16), Troy Rosario (11-8), and RJ Abarrientos (11-5-6) also made key contributions. Despite NorthPort’s Kadeem Jack finishing with 27 points, it wasn’t enough to challenge Ginebra’s dominance.
Brownlee, usually a top scorer, played more as a facilitator, ending with 10 points and 11 assists. Coach Tim Cone reinserted Brownlee and Aguilar late in the game to secure the win, emphasizing the importance of keeping key players engaged in the playoffs.
Looking Ahead: Ginebra Eyes 3-0 Series Lead
With a 2-0 series advantage, Ginebra is now in prime position to extend their lead to 3-0 as the series moves to the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the next two games. Coach Tim Cone stressed the importance of discipline, ensuring his team maintains its momentum and intensity against a NorthPort squad eager to bounce back.
If Ginebra continues its dominant form, they could soon clinch a spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The Scores :
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
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