Ginebra rips NorthPort in PBA Comm's Cup semis Game 1

Cade Flores could only keep Japeth Aguilar from falling after a dunk. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA––Ginebra banked on a dominating third quarter to take down NorthPort, 115-93, in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Even with their key players and coach Tim Cone still feeling the weariness from Gilas' two-game road trip over the weekend, the Gin Kings made quick work of the Batang Pier, outscoring them, 32-14, in the third quarter to pull away for good.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra, who took the headstart in the best-of-seven series, with 19 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal.

Troy Rosario, who sat out the entire February window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers to rest his knee injury, added 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.

Kadeem Jack led NorthPort with 33 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Box Scores:

GINEBRA 115 – Brownlee 19, Rosario 16, Abarrientos 15, Malonzo 14, J.Aguilar 11, Holt 7, Mariano 7, Thompson 6, Ahanmisi 5, R. Aguilar 3, Pessumal 2, Pinto 1, Adamos 0

NORTHPORT 93 – Jack 33, Munzon 10, Tolentino 8, Navarro 8, Nelle 7, Onwubere 7, Taha 6, Bulanadi 4, Yu 3, Cuntapay 3, Miranda 2, Flores 2

QUARTERS: 31-22, 56-51, 88-65, 115-93

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