Ginebra sets another PBA finals clash with TNT after whipping NorthPort

Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra's early attack to eliminate NorthPort. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Down goes top-seeded NorthPort.

Fourth-ranked Barangay Ginebra sealed a second straight PBA Finals showdown with TNT this season after eliminating the Batang Pier from the Commissioner's Cup semifinals with a 126-99 rout in Game 5 on Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Ginebra exploded for 39 points in the second quarter and 35 more in the third as they blew the game wide open from there.

Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while RJ Abarrientos and Jamie Malonzo each added 20 points off the bench with Abarrientos completing a double-double with 10 assists.

Kadeem Jack led NorthPort with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists, one block, and one steal, while Allyn Bulanadi scored a season-high 26 points and two rebounds.

Joshua Munzon chipped in 12 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists.

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