Ginebra holds on vs Meralco to clinch last PBA Comm's Cup semis seat

Justin Brownlee had a solid all-around game to lead Ginebra back to the semifinals. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Ginebra clinched the last spot in the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals after holding on against Meralco with a 94-87 win in the final game of the quarterfinal round on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Gin Kings banked on an 11-2 run late in the fourth quarter to pull away from the Bolts, opening a 91-78 lead with 1:08 to go.

Meralco still tried to pull up a scare as the team went on a 9-1 run with Cliff Hodge and Akil Mitchell, not known for their outside shooting, hitting a three and a four, respectively, to cut the lead down to five, 92-87, with 11 seconds remaining.

However, Justin Brownlee made two free throws at the other end to seal Ginebra's win even as Mitchell ran out of luck from four-point range in his next attempt.

Brownlee led the Gin Kings, who will now face the NorthPort Batang Pier in the semifinals beginning Feb. 26, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Stephen Holt added 17 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Chris Newsome led the Bolts, who lost for the eighth time against the Gin Kings in a playoff series, with 22 points, three rebounds, and one assist before fouling out with 2:58 remaining.

Meralco also had to deal with the endgame absence of active consultant Nenad Vucinic, who was ejected from the game after confronting the referee for a call that was later overturned midway in the fourth.

The Scores:

GINEBRA 94 – Brownlee 23, Holt 17, Abarrientos 16, Rosario 12, Thompson 7, J. Aguilar 6, Ahanmisi 6, Cu 5, Malonzo 0

MERALCO 87 – Newsome 22, Quinto 16, Hodge 13, Banhcero 12, Black 9, Mitchell 8, Rios 5, Almazan 2, Bates 0

QUARTERS: 19-22, 37-38, 64-58, 94-87

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