PBA: Ginebra captures sixth straight Final Four appearance
Barangay Ginebra got its sixth straight semi-final appearance after defeating Meralco 94-87 in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals series on Sunday night, February 9, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Justin Brownlee showed once again how clutch he is, pouring out an almost triple-double performance of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists to lead the Gin Kings.
He was supported by RJ Abbarientos, who contributed 16 markers while excellently orchestrating the offense for Ginebra.
Stephen Holt added 17, while Troy Rosario put up 12 to help Brownlee and Abarrientos in bringing another Final Four slot for the Gin Kings.
Meanwhile, Meralco was led by team captain Chris Newsome with 22 points, who lacked help from their reinforcement Akil Mitchell, who was limited to only eight markers.
Bong Quinto, Cliff Hodge, and Chris Banchero had 16, 13, and 12, respectively, in helping the Bolts fight for their conference lives.
Ginebra will face the top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier in the Final Four that will begin on February 26, Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 94 - Brownlee 25, Holt 17, Abarrientos 16, Rosario 12, Thompson 7, J.Aguilar 6, Ahanmisi 6, Cu 5, Malonzo 0.
MERALCO 87: Newsome 22, Quinto 16, Hodge 13, Banchero 12, Black 9, Mitchell 8, Rios 5, Almazan 2, Bates 0.
Quarter Scores: 19-22, 37-38, 64-58, 94-87.
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