Ginebra returns to PBA Govs' Cup finals after ousting NorthPort

PBA Media Group
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—After getting dethroned in the semifinals last year, Ginebra gets a chance to reclaim the PBA Governors' Cup title.

The Barangay booked their place in the finals after eliminating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 120-107, in Game 4 of the best-of-five semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.

Ginebra established control of the game in the first half, scoring 32 first quarter points and holding NorthPort to just 18 in the second en route to a 56-39 halftime lead.

The Batang Pier somehow got their groove in the third quarter after nearly matching their first half tally with a 36-point blast, but the Barangay, who stayed consistent in offense for the entire second half, were just too much.

Justin Brownlee came close to a triple-double after tallying 36 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists with three steals and two blocks for Ginebra, who won three straight games to clinch the series after a tough Game 1 loss.

Japeth Aguilar also had a near triple-double, making 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists alongside one block and one steal.

Scottie Thompson also got a double-double, converting 14 markers and 10 caroms with four assists, one steal, and one block.

Ginebra will await the winner of the other semifinal pairing between TNT and Meralco in the finals, which will start in January.

The KaTropa are up, 2-1, and can close out their own series on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Chris Standhardinger, who was essentially denied of a personal grand slam, made 32 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for NorthPort.

Paolo Taha sizzled off the bench, firing 29 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while in his swan song, Michael Qualls put up 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block.

Sean Anthony also made a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds with six assists, and two steals.