MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra and Meralco add another chapter to their playoff rivalry after arranging a quarterfinal date in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The two will meet each other in the playoffs for the third straight conference and 10th time overall following the Gin Kings’ 91-87 win over the Bolts at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 29.
RJ Abarrientos churned out a game-high 17 points as Ginebra clinched the fourth seed with an 8-4 record, while Meralco locked up the fifth spot with a 7-4 card even with one more game to play in the elimination round.
Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone said he expects a dogfight in the best-of-three series after his side swept the Bolts in the quarterfinals of the season-opening Governors’ Cup.
“Obviously, they’re going to be well motivated because we knocked them out last conference, so they’re going to be well motivated coming into this conference,” said Cone.
Their latest encounter, though, hardly showed the same intensity of their previous clashes as both teams kept their usual suspects on the bench longer than usual.
Ginebra import Justin Brownlee (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) saw action for 22 minutes, while Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar both played under 20 minutes, combining for only 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Meanwhile, Meralco sat out import Akil Mitchell and fielded starters Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, and Chris Banchero, and Bong Quinto all under 30 minutes each.
“We played them without the import tonight, and obviously, he’s a huge, huge impact in the game, and that’s something that we’re going to have to account for in the series,” said Cone.
“It’s hard to read off of this game because the import didn’t play and Justin played minimal minutes.”
Stephen Holt and Troy Rosario fired 13 points apiece for the Gin Kings, whose win allowed NorthPort (9-3) to claim the top seed for the first time in franchise history as it enjoys a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
The second spot, which also comes with a win-once bonus, will be disputed by TNT (8-3) and Converge (8-4).
Rookie guard CJ Cansino put up 15 points, while Raymond Almazan tallied 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Bolts, who will face Magnolia on Friday, January 31, at the PhilSports Arena to round out the eliminations.
Aaron Black had 11 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in the loss.
The Scores
Barangay Ginebra 91 – Abarrientos 17, Brownlee 15, Rosario 13, Holt 13, Malonzo 9, Pessumal 7, Ahanmisi 6, J. Aguilar 4, Thompson 2, R. Aguilar 2, Pinto 2, Tenorio 1, Cu 0, Mariano 0.
Meralco 87 – Cansino 15, Almazan 13, Black 11, Hodge 9, Newsome 9, Quinto 8, Torres 5, Rios 5, Pasaol 4, Banchero 4, Batess 4, Reyson 0.
Quarters: 21-22, 44-42, 68-59, 91-87.
– Rappler.com