Ginebra routs NLEX, sets up semis duel vs Magnolia

PBA IMAGES

Barangay Ginebra showed why they’re the defending champion and No. 1 team heading into the playoffs after ripping NLEX, 111-75, to advance to the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals Tuesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings flexed their muscles, overpowering the Road Warriors especially in the fourth quarter where they scored 35 points and allowed only 13.

Ginebra had five players in double figures led by Japeth Aguilar’s efficient 18-point outing. Aguilar went 8-of-11 from the field and had 10 rebounds and a block.

Justin Brownlee recorded his second straight triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists just two nights after posting 31 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in a 112-93 rout of TNT.

Greg Slaughter added 16 points and seven rebounds while Sol Mercado and Jeff Chan chipped in 14 and 12 points, respectively.

It was a memorable night for Chan after he became the latest member of the PBA’s 5,000 points club.

Aaron Fuller was the lone Road Warrior in double digits with 25 points that went with 12 rebounds.

With the win, Ginebra set up a best-of-five semifinals showdown with fierce rival Magnolia, which eliminated Blackwater earlier.