Many were anticipating a down-the-wire finish as the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and TNT Katropa — both protecting their own winning streaks — went at it on Sunday night, but the final 12 minutes became a one-sided affair.
Through a strong surge in the payoff period, highlighted by a sequence of booming triples, the Barangay were able to completely annihilate the Katropa, 107-89, to register their fourth win in a row at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“It shocked me the we pulled away in the second half,” admitted Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, whose side now improves to 4-1. “We’re moving the ball really well. That’s creating a lot of good looks for us.”
In yet another win, reinforcement Justin Brownlee led the way for the Barangay, waxing hot for 34 points on 55.5 percent shooting along with 15 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks in the 40 minutes he was on the floor.
Entering the final frame with a six-point lead, Ginebra furiously went on a rampage, completely outscoring TNT, 24-8, through a barrage of triples from LA Tenorio and Sol Mercado to erect the game’s widest gap, 104-82, with 2:19 left to play.
“LA and Sol hit big threes. Justin too,” added Cone, regarding the fiery fourth quarter surge anchored by his steady reliables.
Tenorio chipped in 21 markers on 13 shots and six dimes, while Mercado garnered seven points and seven dimes.
Japeth Aguilar also had a double-double of 16 markers and 14 boards. He also swatted away five shots, much to the delight of Cone, who even praised him as the “game’s best player” due to his effort defensively.
TNT, who saw the end of their five-game winning streak and are now 5-2 in the standings, were led by Donte Greene with 28 markers on 47.8 shooting and 15 rebounds. Jayson Castro supplied 20 markers, five boards, and five dimes.
Both Castro and Greene combined for a total of 10 turnovers — majority of TNT’s 16.
The Barangay scored better off second chance points, 15-10, and on fast breaks, 14-6, but TNT had more points off turnovers, 18-13 — from Ginebra’s 17 — and received more points from their bench players, 28-21.
Ginebra will look to extend their streak against Alaska on May 7, Sunday, at 6:45 PM, while TNT will aim to bounce back against San Miguel on May 5, Friday, at 7:00 PM. Both games will be played still at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Ginebra (107) – Brownlee 34, Tenorio 21, Aguilar 16, Devance 8, Thompson 7, Mercado 7, Ellis 7, Caguioa 4, Marcelo 3, Taha 0, Ferrer 0.
TNT (89) – Greene 28, Castro 20, De Ocampo 9, Fonacier 8, Pogoy 6, Williams 5, Reyes 4, Rosales 4, Tautuaa 3, Rosario 2.
Quarterscores: 31-32, 55-61, 80-74, 107-89.
