Ginebra stays in Top 2 chase, denies NorthPort outrright QF entry

Jamie Malonzo came alive against his former team. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Ginebra kept its hopes of taking a once-to-win advantage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals alive after turning back NorthPort, 122-105, on Sunday night at the PhilSports Arena.

The Gin Kings pulled away from the Batang Pier in the fourth quarter, outscoring them, 29-13, as they completely took control of the game after it was tight for most of the first three quarters.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra, now tied with Converge for third place at 8-3, a game behind Magnolia for the second seed, with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.

Jamie Malonzo contributed 26 points, three rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and one steal in his first game against his former team, while Christian Standhardinger chipped in 20 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.

The Gin Kings must beat the FiberXers on Wednesday night also at the PhilSports Arena and hope that the Hotshots lose to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena as well to seal the quarterfinal bonus.

Arvin Tolentino fired 24 points on six triples, six rebounds, three assists, and one steal, Prince Ibeh added 23 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks, and one steal, and Robert Bolick put up 22 markers, three boards, and four dimes for NorthPort, which failed to secure direct entry to the quarterfinals and fell to 6-6.

The team will now have to watch the remaining games to find out if they qualify too.

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