PBA Comm's Cup semis 'Clasico' set as Ginebra ousts NorthPort

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra anew to a tight win against NorthPort. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—It's gonna be "Manila Clasico" in one PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinal series after Ginebra set a best-of-five battle against Magnolia in the next round through a 99-93 win against NorthPort in Game 2 of their quarterfinal tie on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena.

The Gin Kings survived an early barrage from the Batang Pier where the latter opened a 18-point lead, 29-11, late in the first quarter.

Ginebra got its groove in the second quarter and cut NorthPort's lead to four, 47-43, at halftime, and the former would complete the turnaround in the third and take a 72-66 lead entering the fourth.

The Batang Pier still tried to steal the win after drawing to within two, 85-87, with 4:07 left in the game, but the Gin Kings went on a 10-0 run afterward to seemingly shut the door on them.

Justin Brownlee made 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks for Ginebra, which swept its best-of-three quarterfinal series against NorthPort.

Scottie Thompson came just close to a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists with two steals and one block.

Jeff Chan played his best game for NorthPort with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists.

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