Ginebra storms into PBA Finals, sets showdown with TNT

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Barangay Ginebra is back in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after a dominant 126-99 victory over NorthPort in Game 5 of their semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, March 7.

The Gin Kings bounced back from their Game 4 setback to secure the series, 4-1, earning a long-awaited shot at redemption after going four straight conferences without a title. They now face TNT Tropang Giga in a highly anticipated best-of-seven finals showdown, a rematch of their last two Governors’ Cup championship battles.

Justin Brownlee leads Ginebra back to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, setting up a blockbuster rematch with TNT. [PBA Images]

Ginebra Takes Control, Never Looks Back

Ginebra seized momentum with a 39-31 second-quarter surge, turning a close game into a 62-53 halftime lead. They came out firing in the third, unleashing a 14-0 run to widen the gap to 23 points, effectively sealing NorthPort’s fate.

Justin Brownlee led the charge with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals, while RJ Abarrientos came off the bench with a 20-point, 10-assist double-double. Jamie Malonzo added 20 points, including a scorching 4-of-5 from three, while Japeth Aguilar (18), Scottie Thompson (14), and Troy Rosario (11) provided key contributions.

Abarrientos credited their Game 4 loss as motivation to come out stronger.

“Our Game 4 loss became our boost for Game 5. Everyone stepped up, just like in our first three wins,” Abarrientos said. “Coach Tim told us to sustain our consistency and focus on playing one game at a time.”

NorthPort’s Dream Run Ends

Kadeem Jack posted 31 points, while Allyn Bulanadi exploded for 26 points with six three-pointers, but top-seeded NorthPort couldn’t keep up with Ginebra’s firepower.

NorthPort’s strong mid-season run ended in disappointment, as the team failed to extend the series and mount a comeback against the seasoned Gin Kings.

Ginebra vs. TNT: The Finals Rematch

With TNT eliminating Rain or Shine earlier, the Gin Kings and Tropang Giga will renew their rivalry in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, tipping off Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Can Ginebra reclaim the Commissioner’s Cup title, or will TNT continue its dominance over the Kings?