Ginebra sets PBA Comm's Cup semis battle vs SMB after ripping Arvin Tolentino-less NorthPort

Tony Bishop fired 31 points against the Arvin Tolentino-less Batang Pier. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG—Ginebra moved on to the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after drubbing NorthPort, 106-93, in their quarterfinal match on Friday night at the PhilSports Arena.

The Gin Kings dominated the second quarter, outscoring the Batang Pier, 30-13, to open a 55-35 halftime lead.

NorthPort, though, slowly crawled back in the third quarter and was within 10, 73-63, late in the period.

Ginebra regained its rhythm midway through the fourth quarter and stretched its lead back to 20, 102-82, with three and a half minutes left.

The Batang Pier went on a 9-0 run afterward to cut the lead down to 11, 102-91, with 1:41 remaining, but it was their last gasp.

Tony Bishop led Ginebra, which set a best-of-five semifinal series against San Miguel beginning Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, with 31 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Jamie Malonzo added 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Christian Standhardinger chipped in 18 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and one block.

JM Calma and Joshua Munzon each scored 19 points with Calma also grabbing 10 rebounds for NorthPort, which conspicuously played without Arvin Tolentino.

Venky Jois added 18 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists, four blocks, and two steals.

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