Qualls, NorthPort dominate Ginebra in PBA semis opener

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — NorthPort thrashed Barangay Ginebra, 124-90, for a crucial head start in their race-to-three semifinals duel in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Import Michael Qualls had team-bests 38 points and 15 rebounds to help Batang Pier assert their mastery over the crowd darlings.

Garvo Lanete tossed in 24 points built on a pinpoint long-distance shooting, while three more tossed in twin digit scores.

“Maybe we just caught Ginebra in their off night plus, we’re the hungrier team,” said North coach Pido Jarencio. “But this is all a product of team effort.”

The Gin Kings got the goods mostly from their beloved reinfrocement, Justin Browlee, who fired 24 points and plucked down 19 rebounds.

Stanley Pringle chipped in 21, to make up for a lackluster showing from the locals.

NorthPort shoots for a commanding 2-0 lead over the Gin Kings on Monday.

The scores:

NorthPort 124 – Qualls 38, Lanete 24, Standhardinger 16, Mercado 14, Anthony 11, Escoto 7, Taha 5, Elorde 5, Cruz 2, King 2.

Ginebra 90 – Brownlee 24, Pringle 21, Aguilar 8, Chan 8, Thompson 7, Dillinger 5, Dela Cruz 4, Slaughter 4, Mariano 4, Tenorio 3, Caperal 2, Devance 0, Caguioa 0, Sargent 0.

Quarterscores: 22-20, 51-39, 78-68, 124-90.