Ginebra was too much to handle for NorthPort in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
The Gin Kings got off to a triumphant start in their best-of-seven showdown after overwhelming the Batang Pier, 115-93, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Only a 56-51 match entering the halftime break, Tim Cone's cogs exploded in the third frame, outscoring their rivals 32-14 to establish a safe separation, led by Troy Rosario and RJ Abarrientos who had nine and seven points at that period, respectively.
Rosario concluded the match with 16 markers and eight rebounds, while Abarrientos had 15 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.
Justin Brownlee did what he does best, dropping a team-high 19 points, four boards, four dimes, and a steal, while Jamie Malonzo added 14 for the Ginebra offense and collected five rebounds.
Notably, the win came after Cone, Brownlee, Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and LA Tenorio finished their duties with Gilas Pilipinas, overcoming a hectic schedule over the past two weeks following the Nationals' stint in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
"I was just so blessed to get my rehab sa lahat ng bansa na pinuntahan namin and really learn the triangle by watching it sa practices nila," said Rosario. "I was so happy na we grinded it out today."
Meanwhile, Kadeem Jack though played his A-game for the NorthPort side, listing a massive double-double of 33 points and 12 rebounds. He lacked helped, at least for tonight, after only one local in Joshua Munzon breached twin-digit scoring with 10.
Cone and his PBA squad have a chance to make it a 2-0 advantage in Game 2 on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 115 – Brownlee 19, Rosario 16, Abarrientos 15, Malonzo 14, J.Aguilar 11, Holt 7, Mariano 7, Thompson 6, Ahanmisi 5, R. Aguilar 3, Pessumal 2, Pinto 1, Adamos 0
NORTHPORT 93 – Jack 33, Munzon 10, Tolentino 8, Navarro 8, Nelle 7, Onwubere 7, Taha 6, Bulanadi 4, Yu 3, Cuntapay 3, Miranda 2, Flores 2
QUARTERS: 31-22, 56-51, 88-65, 115-93
