MANILA — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of another finals appearance after crushing Phoenix Super LPG, 112-81, while Rain or Shine pulled off a major upset over San Miguel Beer to complete the semifinal cast of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Justin Brownlee delivered another dominant performance before leaving with an apparent hamstring injury, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists as the Gin Kings overwhelmed the Fuel Masters to arrange a semifinal showdown with the Elasto Painters.
Earl Scottie Thompson and Rhon Jay Abarrientos chipped in 16 points each, while Stephen Holt added 11 markers for Ginebra, which turned a tight opening quarter into a one-sided rout.
After clinging to a slim 30-29 edge at the end of the first period, the Gin Kings unleashed a devastating 34-15 run in the second quarter to seize a commanding 64-44 halftime lead.
Ginebra never slowed down in the second half despite Brownlee’s early exit in the third quarter, with Abarrientos and Holt burying timely three-pointers as the crowd favorites stretched the margin to as much as 40 points.
Ricci Rivero led Phoenix with 15 points, while Johnathan Williams III added 13 as the Fuel Masters bowed out of the conference.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine punched its own ticket to the semifinals after riding a breakout effort from Andrei Caracut to a 113-104 victory over the San Miguel Beermen.
Inspired by the presence of Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers star Mhicaela Belen in the stands, Caracut exploded for a conference-best 29 points, including six triples, to spearhead the Elasto Painters’ upset win.
Jaylen Johnson and Caelan Tiongson contributed 23 points apiece, while Adrian Nocum added 18 markers, including 14 in the opening half, for Rain or Shine.
Bennie Boatwright paced San Miguel with 24 points, while Jaymar Perez scored 19 and Celedonio Trollano added 14. Jericho Cruz and June Mar Fajardo chipped in 12 points each, while Kris Rosales finished with 10 markers for the Beermen./PN
