In front of record crowd, Ginebra clobbers Bay Area to win PBA Comm's Cup title

The Gin Kings have completely slain the giants. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—With a nearly sold-out crowd at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue as a witness, Ginebra survived the challenge that is mighty Bay Area to get back the PBA Commissioner's Cup title.

The Gin Kings won it all in the return of the PBA's traditional mid-season conference, finishing off the Dragons, 114-99, in the rubber match of the championship series in front of a new league record 54,589 fans at the world's largest indoor venue.

Ginebra's fate was sealed in the second quarter after the team outscored the guest squad from the EASL, 34-18, to open a 61-39 halftime lead.

Bay Area had its chances to mount a comeback in the second half, but the team could only cut the lead to as close as 15 points.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra, which moved to second all-time in PBA championships with 15, with 34 points on 14-of-22 shooting, eight rebounds, 12 assists, one steal, and three blocks.

Jamie Malonzo, who had been struggling all throughout the playoffs, played his best game of the knockout phases right on the final match of the conference, contributing 22 points, 17 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks.

Christian Standhardinger, who has been the x-factor this series, added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.

Myles Powell, Bay Area's offensive spark plug, fizzled in the game where his contribution was badly needed as he was held to 9-of-22 field goals and 7-of-12 free throws for 29 points with seven rebounds, five assists, and one block.

Hayden Blankley added 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while Liu Chuanxing chipped in 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, four blocks, and two steals and Kobey Lam had 13 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

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