Barangay Ginebra proved too hot to handle from the three-point area as the Gin Kings hammered NorthPort Batang Pier, 118-102, to take a 1-0 lead in their 2022-23 PBA Commissioner's Cup best-of-three quarterfinal series Wednesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Best Import candidate Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings offense, firing 39 points spiked by five triples as he helped the league's most popular squad turn a tight contest through the early part of the third period into a lopsided contest.
The 34-year-old Brownlee flashed his shooting form in the third canto as he exploded for 19 points, including 7-of-9 in that stretch to help Ginebra grab an 89-74 lead heading into the last period.
The Gin Kings showed mo mercy in the final canto, with veteran playmaker LA Tenorio and Fil-American Jeremiah Gray joining the scoring fray as they stretched their lead to 106-86 and never looked back.
Ginebra can complete a 2-0 series sweep and advance in the semifinals with another win against NorthPort on Sunday.
Ginebra was superb from beyond the arc, connecting on 16 of its 34 attempts for a scorching 47.1 percent shooting clip.
Tenorio knocked down four triples to move to No. 4 in the all-time list, surpassing Ronnie Magsanoc's 1,171. Tenorio upped his career three-point shots made at 1,174 and could actually move up to No. 3 and dislodge Rain or Shine's inactive star James Yap come Sunday if he can make five triples or more.
Yap is currently at No. 3 all-time with 1,178.
The Gin Kings showed they wanted the game more as evidenced by their huge 47-33 rebounding advantage. Ginebra also showed excellent team play to finish with 33 assists with Brownlee and Christian Standhardinger contributing seven and six, respectively.
Stanley Pringle added 16, while Jamie Malonzo had 13 and nine boards.
Reigning league MVP Scottie Thompson came through with another all-around game of 11 points, five rebounds and the same number of assists.
Former Ginebra forward Arvin Tolentino led NorthPort with 29 points and eight rebounds, lacing his game with five triples, while Robert Bolick chipped in 21 and six assists.
Import Prince Ibeh had 18 points, 15 rebounds, five steals and three blocked shots while Kevin Ferrer, another former Ginebra player, added 15 in a losing effort for NorthPort.
