Barangay Ginebra overpowers Blackwater, strengthening bid for top two finish
HANG TIME. The Gin Kings will need to survive crucial matches against the Meralco Bolts as well as the Mahindra Floodbuster to secure a twice-to-beat advantage come the quarterfinals. Photo by PBA Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines－ The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings strengthened their bid for a top two placement in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they overpowered the Blackwater Elite, 96-82, on Friday, May 26 at the Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.
Justin Brownlee poured out a team-high 35 markers coupled with 14 boards for the Gin Kings, who turned the ball over 23 times in the match.
LA Tenorio added 17 markers and 5 assists, while Japeth Aguilar had 15.
Sol Mercado likewise contributed 9 points, 7 boards and 6 assists.
The Elite held the lead for most of the 3rd quarter, with Mike DiGregorio launching back-to-back triples to provide his team with a 49-43 advantage. But Blackwater couldn’t finish off as the squad lost its offensive spark in the closing period, and was outscored by Ginebra 31-20.
Greg Smith topscored for the Elite with 37 points to go with 19 rebounds and 5 assists, while DiGregorio finished with 18.
The Gin Kings will need to survive crucial matches against the Meralco Bolts as well as the Mahindra Floodbuster to secure a twice-to-beat advantage come the quarterfinals.
Blackwater, on the other hand, dropped to a 2-8 slate and is now formally eliminated from playoff contention.－Rappler.com
