PBA: Ginebra clobbers NorthPort anew for 2-0 semifinals lead

Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against NorthPort Batang Pier. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Barangay Ginebra flexed the might of its full-strength roster on Friday in a 119-106 drubbing of NorthPort to take a 2-0 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.

Japeth Aguilar showed the way at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, putting up 31 points on 11-for-18 shooting, while grabbing eight rebounds for the Gin Kings who scored yet another effortless victory over the top-seeded Batang Pier.

LIVE: PBA semifinals Game 2 – Northport vs Ginebra, Rain or Shine vs TNT

Jamie Malonzo and Scottie Thompson added at least 16 points each in the triumph that put the crowd darlings two wins away from yet another PBA Finals appearance.

NorthPort battled behind import Kadeem Jack’s 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Will Navarro’s playoff career-best 23 points.

But their numbers—along with a 39-point spurt in the final quarter—hardly mattered against a Barangay Ginebra side that is enjoying a complete squad.

READ: PBA: Tired? Not yet, as Ginebra eyes 2-0 lead vs NorthPort

Jeremiah Gray delivered six points in his first game back from a knee problem, backstopping the likes of Stephen Holt, RJ Abarrientos, and resident import Justin Brownlee, who all finished in twin-digit scores.

“It took a lot of hard work for them to get back to where they are. And so we’re just real happy that they’re able to play on the floor and contribute. They’re both very talented guys,” said coach Tim Cone of the returning Malonzo and Gray.

“It was especially nice to see [Jeremiah] tonight, get out and get some minutes, hit a three point shot, get a couple of free throws and just really just be out there.”

The Gin Kings will try to take a commanding 3-0 lead of the race this coming Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.