BIÑAN, Laguna—Breaking away late in the fourth period, Barangay Ginebra tore Blackwater apart and stayed on target toward a twice-to-beat privilege in the first round of the playoffs of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
It took the Gin Kings quite a while to warm up, but when they did, they scooted away with nary a resistance from the undermanned Elite for a 96-82 victory at Alonte Sports Center here that also booted Blackwater.
Justin Brownlee scored 35 points, had 14 rebounds and five assists and LA Tenorio finished with 17, seven and five as they led the Kings in the breakaway that started late in the fourth period for win No. 7 in nine games, now in solo second behind Star.
Blackwater, playing without Art dela Cruz and top rookie pick Mac Belo, dropped to 2-8, rendering a Wednesday clash with San Miguel Beer a no-bearing game for the Elite.
Earlier, Terrence Romeo hit five of his 26 points inside the final 1:17 and led GlobalPort to a 107-101 nipping of defending champion Rain or Shine.
Romeo forced himself out of a shooting funk by coming in early and taking time to polish his shots, and the biggest one he drained was a high-arching triple from top of the key with 77 seconds left that practically snuffed the fight out of the game Elasto Painters, 101-97.
It was the second straight win in a 4-6 card for the Batang Pier, who remained in the mix for a playoff spot.
GlobalPort, at the same time, stalled the advance of the Elasto Painters to the playoffs by dealing Rain or Shine its fifth loss in 10 games.