Ginebra's Scottie Thompson in action. PBA Images
MANILA — Second-ranked Barangay Ginebra only needed one game to eliminate seventh-seeded Phoenix, 112-81, booking a semifinals duel with Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Entering the quarterfinals match, Tim Cone and his cogs had a twice-to-beat advantage over the Ricci Rivero-led squad.
"I just thought we executed at a really, really level," said Cone during the postgame press conference.
READ: PBA: Caracut catches fire as Rain or Shine ousts San Miguel to secure semis berth
Relying on huge second and third frames, the Gin Kings pulled away midway as they mounted a lead so large that reached 40 points at the 101-61 mark.
Import Justin Brownlee led the pack with 24 points on 8-of-14 shooting, to go with five rebounds and five assists. Best Player of the Game Scottie Thompson added a near double-double of 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while RJ Abarrientos also had 16 markers.
Stephen Holt made his presence felt with 11 points, as big men Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar tallied eight points each.
They will face the Elasto Painters next round, who beat San Miguel earlier in the day with a 113-104 victory to advance.
On the other hand, Phoenix exits this round after the loss, with Rivero pacing his side with 15 points and eight rebounds.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 112 – Brownlee 24, Thompson 16, Abarrientos 16, Holt 11, J.Aguilar 8, Rosario 8, Pinto 7, Gray 6, Estil 5, Cu 3, Torres 2, Go 2, R.Aguilar 2, Carino 2, Abis 0
PHOENIX 81 – Rivero 15, Williams 13, Nelle 9, Tuffin 9, Perkins 7, Tio 7, Ando 7, Ynot 6, Cullar 3, Santos 3, Daves 2, Gozum 0, Delos Santos 0
QUARTERS: 30-29, 64-44, 90-54, 112-81