The twice-to-beat edge for the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs is now within the Barangay’s grasp
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel found their groove in the second half, leaving the Blackwater Elite shell-shocked, 96-82, to move closer to the coveted twice-to-beat advantage, Friday night at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
The Gin Kings, coming off a huge win over San Miguel Beermen last Sunday, now sport a 7-2 card to place solo second. The Elite, meanwhile, have bid goodbye to their playoff dreams as they dropped to a dismal 2-8 slate.
“We were like a diesel engine. It took a while [for us] to get started,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, regarding the slow start his wards had displayed earlier in the contest that allowed Blackwater to come close and even take leads.
Justin Brownlee starred for the Barangay yet again with an all-around performance of 35 points –10 coming in the final frame — on 52 percent shooting alongside 14 rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
The Barangay gained leverage in the third canto, unfurling a hot 15-2 offensive surge emphatically sparked and punctuated by Brownlee to turn a wide 57-49 deficit in their favor, 64-59, with 1:19 left in the period.
From there, it was all Ginebra. Back-to-back three-point plays by Brownlee and Sol Mercado with 6:03 to go in the payoff period sent them up by 15, 88-73, a lead they never relinquished until the final buzzer sounded.
LA Tenorio also showed an all-around game for Ginebra with 17 markers, seven caroms, five dimes, and three steals, while Japeth Aguilar finished with 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting to go with six boards and two blocks.
Import Greg Smith topbilled for Blackwater with a game-high 37 points. He also collared 19 rebounds and dished out five assists. Fil-Italian guard Mike DiGregorio was his only support with 18 points spiked by four triples.
The Barangay headed into Friday night’s bout without versatile forward Joe Devance due to a couple of health issues. As a result, the 6-foot-7 big man is doubtful to suit up this coming Sunday against the Meralco Bolts.
“He’s got a bunion (toe joint) problem. [If] It can be delayed (surgery), we’re gonna delay it,” said Cone of Devance’s injury. “And he was in the hospital for three days because of a chest infection and he was in the hospital.”
“We knew he wasn’t gonna play tonight, but he’s doubtful for Sunday,” the multi-titled tactician admitted.
Ginebra converted 40 percent of their shots from the floor, with most of it coming from their 25 team assists. They also dominated the batte of the boards, earning 67 caroms compared to Blackwater’s 47.
Ginebra will try to secure the twice-to-beat edge against Meralco on Sunday, May 28, 6:45 PM at the Ynares Center Antipolo, while Blackwater will next play San Miguel on May 31, Wednesday, 4:15 PM at the Cuneta Astrodome
The Scores:
Ginebra (96) – Brownlee 35, Tenorio 17, Aguilar 15, Mercado 9, Caguioa 8, Mariano 5, Marcelo 3, Taha 2, Cruz 2, Ferrer 0, Thompson 0, Ellis 0.
Blackwater (82) – Smith 37, Digregorio 18, Pinto 7, Pascual 5, Buenafe 4, Sena 4, Cruz 2, Gamalinda 2, Aguilar 2, Cervantes 1, Perez 0, Canaleta 0, Banal 0, Sumang 0.
Quarterscores: 22-23, 43-43, 65-62, 96-82.
