MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings cruised to a commanding 127-100 victory over NorthPort Batang Pier in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jamie Malonzo unloaded a conference-high of 25 points, with 16 coming in the first half, to go with eight rebounds to be named Player of the Game as the Gin Kings took a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“To be honest, it is hard to put into words how grateful I am to get back, my teammates’ support, my coaches’ support, and of course the management, they have been by my side always,” Malonzo said after the game.
Justin Brownlee chipped in 22 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists, Japeth Aguilar and Earl Scottie Thompson had 17 and 15, respectively, while Jeth Troy Rosario and Rhon Jay Abarrientos contributed 10 apiece for the Gin Kings.
Just like in the first two games, the Gin Kings surged to a 30-21 start in the opening quarter before breaking the game wide open in the second period courtesy of Malonzo’s offensive exploits for a 64-40 halftime lead.
The Gin Kings continued their offensive outburst in the second half with connections from Aguilar, Malonzo, and Abarrientos as they lead reached its largest at 38 points at 112-74.
“Our first group was playing group, but our second group, led by Jamie and RJ, were playing great,” said Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone after the game. “They were able to extend leads and break the backs of the opponents, and that is such a luxury to have.”
Kadeem Jack top-scored for the Batang Pier with 32 points, Arvin Tolentino added 15 points and two rebounds, while Ilonggo Juan Paolo Taha contributed 11 markers in the defeat./PN
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 127 – Malonzo 25, Brownlee 22, J. Aguilar 17, Thompson 15, Abarrientos 10, Rosario 10, Ahanmisi 6, Holt 5, Pessumal 4, Gray 4, R. Aguilar 3, Adamos 2, Mariano 2, Tenorio 2, Cu 0, Pinto 0.
NORTHPORT 100 – Jack 32, Tolentino 15, Taha 11, Yu 6, Miranda 6, Bulanadi 6, Munzon 5, Cuntapay 5, Flores 4, Nelle 3, Navarro 3, Tratter 2, Onwubere 2.
Quarterscores: 30-21, 64-40, 99-68, 127-100.
