Gin Kings annihilate Fuel Masters, forge semis series vs Painters

MANILA, Philippines -- Barangay Ginebra is off to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after obliterating the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 112-81, in their quarterfinal clash Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Gin Kings did not need its twice-to-beat advantage, as they outscored Phoenix 70-25 in the middle quarters for the win.

Justin Brownlee powered Ginebra with 24 points to go with five rebounds and five assists before exiting the game after getting hurt. Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos had 16 markers apiece in the victory.

“I just thought we executed it at a really, really high level. Even when Justin left the floor, we continued to execute it at a high level. Generated a lot of good open looks and the ball moved,” Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said after the game.

“Defensively in the beginning, I felt like we were giving up a lot of layups, a lot of direct line drives to the basket. And then the second quarter, we started to clean that up a little bit. Our guards started to contain better. And with the good offense and the good defense, we were just able to stretch the lead,” he added.

Ginebra stole the lead at the end of the first, taking a 30-29 advantage.

But the Gin Kings dropped a 34-15 second quarter, followed by a 26-10 third frame, to grab a 90-54 lead heading to the fourth.

From there, Ginebra breezed through to the finish line as its lead grew to as much as 40, 101-61.

Stephen Holt had 11 points in the victory, where all Gin Kings but one – John Abis – scored a field goal.

Ricci Rivero stood tall for the Fuel Masters with 15 points and eight rebounds, while import Johnathan Williams had 13 markers, 11 boards and three dimes.

Ginebra will now face Rain or Shine in the best-of-seven semifinals. 

The Elasto Painters earlier defeated the San Miguel Beermen to punch their semis ticket.