Ginebra eliminates ROS, sets up semis date with SMB

Japeth Aguilar waxed hot anew for the Barangay. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Ginebra became the third team to make it to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after eliminating Rain Or Shine, 99-91, in the quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

In a game of quarter-long spurts, the Barangay reigned supreme over the Elasto Painters down the stretch to sweep their best-of-three series, 2-0, as a semifinal clash with the San Miguel Beermen awaits them.

Ginebra zoomed late in the first quarter to take a 28-19 lead at the end of the period, but ROS outscored Ginebra, 27-15, in the second quarter to enter halftime with a 46-43 advantage.

The Barangay then reclaimed the lead, 77-72, after the third period after dropping 34 points on the E-Painters in the said quarter.

ROS stayed in step with Ginebra in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, but the latter ended the game on a 12-5 run to seal the win.

Japeth Aguilar led the Barangay with 27 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and three steals.

Jervy Cruz added 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Maverick Ahanmisi made 18 points, seven boards, five dishes, one swipe, and one swat for the E-Painters, who lost three straight games to the Barangay overall including the last game of the elimination round.

Box Scores:

Ginebra 99-Aguilar 27, Cruz 18, Tenorio 17, Mercado 10, Devance 10, Thompson 9, Ferrer 6, Taha 2, Mariano 0, Manuel 0

Rain Or Shine 91-Ahanmisi 18, Daquioag 14, Almazan 14, Belga 13, Nambatac 8, Norwood 7, Ponferada 7, Washington 5, Onwubere 3, Borboran 2

Quarterscores: 28-19, 43-46, 77-72, 99-91

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