Ginebra turns back Blackwater to earn solo second

Barangay Ginebra took sole possession of the second spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after taking down also-ran Blackwater, 96-82, Friday at Alonte Sports Arena in Laguna.

The Gin Kings improved to 7-2, half-a-game behind league leaders Star, to overtake San Miguel (6-2) while the Elite dropped to a woeful 2-8.

It was a still a close contest in the third quarter with Ginebra leading by the thread, 65-62, but the Gin Kings went on a frenzied run in the fourth with Mark Caguioa capping off a 17-5 run with a jumper in the 7:17 mark to put them up by 12, 79-67.

This proved enough foundation for the Gin Kings to hold on to their second straight win.

Justin Brownlee carried Ginebra on his back as he put up a team-high 35 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists while LA Tenorio filled the stat sheets 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

Greg Smith led Blackwater with a game-high 37 points and 19 boards.