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Ginebra fends off Meralco to lock fourth seed, best-of-3 quarters

Sports | Basketball

Ginebra fends off Meralco to lock fourth seed, best-of-3 quarters

By Reynald I. Magallon

At A Glance

Barangay Ginebra averted disaster and squeaked past an import-less but gritty Meralco, 91-87, to put a winning end to its elimination campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

Barangay Ginebra averted disaster and squeaked past an import-less but gritty Meralco, 91-87, to put a winning end to its elimination campaign in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Jan. 29.

The Kings rode on a searing 17-2 run to open the second half and take control before fending off a late fightback from the Bolts to end the eliminations with an 8-4 win-loss record.

Ginebra led by as many as 17 points early in the second half, but Meralco threatened and came within single possession in the waning minutes before RJ Abarrientos steadied the ship with four consecutive free throws in the end.

Abarrientos actually led the Kings in scoring with 17 points after head coach Tim Cone opted to rest his usual starters and give more minutes to his bench in an effort to get them ready for the playoff run.

Justin Brownlee had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists in just 22 minutes of play while Troy Rosario and Stephen Holt added 13 points apiece.

With Meralco’s loss, NorthPort already locked the top seed and therefore clinched the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

Interestingly, the Kings are already a lock at the fourth spot and the Bolts at the fifth spot – fogging a best-of-three affair between the rival teams – regardless of the outcome of the remaining games.

CJ Cansino led Meralco with 15 points while Raymond Almazan added 13 points and 13 rebounds to hold the fort for the Bolts, who played without import Akil Mitchell due to back spasms.

Related Tags

Barangay Ginebra Tim Cone PBA Commissioners Cup

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