Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against NorthPort Batang Pier. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Barangay Ginebra flexed the might of its full-strength roster on Friday in a 119-106 drubbing of NorthPort to take a 2-0 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
Japeth Aguilar showed the way at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, putting up 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting, while grabbing eight rebounds for the Gin Kings who scored yet another effortless victory over the top-seeded Batang Pier.
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Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson added at least 16 points each in the triumph that put the crowd darlings two wins away from yet another PBA Finals appearance.
NorthPort battled behind import Kadeem Jack’s 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Will Navarro’s playoff career-best 23 points.
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But their numbers—along with a 39-point spurt in the final quarter—hardly mattered against a Barangay Ginebra side that is enjoying a complete squad.
READ: PBA: Tired? Not yet, as Ginebra eyes 2-0 lead vs NorthPort
Jeremiah Gray delivered six points in his first game back from a knee problem, backstopping the likes of Stephen Holt, RJ Abarrientos, and resident import Justin Brownlee, who all finished in twin-digit scores.
The Gin Kings will try to take a commanding 3-0 lead of the race this coming Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.