Ginebra survives Alaska to book semis ticket vs SMB
Barangay Ginebra is back in the PBA Final Four for the first time in three years.
With huge games from LA Tenorio and Justin Brownlee, Ginebra overcame Alaska Milk, 109-104, in an emotional, rollercoaster game to advance to the PBA Governors Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
Tenorio poured in a personal three-year high of 32 points while Brownlee came through with 28 including a huge three-pointer at the finish as the Gin Kings got past the Aces to arrange a best-of-five semis showdown with the San Miguel Beermen.
Sol Mercado and Japeth Aguilar had their own moments in the early goings of the game, helping the Kings nail a first semis appearance in eight conferences.
The Kings had never been into the semis since finishing third in the 2013-14 Philippine Cup.
“The guys had never got past the quarters in a long while. It’s a first big step for them,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
“It’s great to be in the semis. It’s nice to be back. Our reward is we’ve got to play San Miguel Beer. We’re gonna enjoy tonight. Tomorrow, we’ll refocus and have to be ready,” Cone also said.
“With all due respect to TNT, I think SMB is still the team to beat in the semis. With June Mar (Fajardo) and all the weapons around him, it’s not a stretch to say they’re really tough. Fajardo is tough to handle especially without Greg (Slaughter),” Cone added.
Tenorio sizzled all night, leading decisive runs in the second and third periods and also having a hand as they fended off Alaska’s fourth-quarter chase.
The Ginebra playmaker was amazing but so were the Aces in their mighty fightback from 48-74 down to threaten at 104-105 with still 31 seconds to go.
Brownlee provided the Kings a huge relief in knocking in a trey off LaDontae Henton making it 108-104 with time down to 9.6 seconds.
Hastening Alaska’s downfall and exit in the season were three flubbed charities by Calvin Abueva with 8.3 seconds left.
Tenorio proved too hot to handle for Jvee Casio and RJ Jazul in the first three quarters, firing away 30 as the Gin Kings sat on a 53-41 cushion at the half then broke away with their 26-point bulge.
The Ginebra chief point guard went 4-of-4 from the field and added a charity to lead their 30-18 pounding of the Aces in the second quarter.
The scores:
GINEBRA 109 – Tenorio 32, Brownlee 29, Mercado 14, Aguilar 12, Marcelo 7, Devance 6, Caguioa 4, Thompson 3, Cruz 2, Mariano 0, Helterbrand 0.
ALASKA 104 – Henton 27, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Hontiveros 12, Manuel 10, Casio 9, Thoss 9, Banchero 5, Racal 2, Baclao 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 53-41, 86-66, 109-104
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