MANILA — Ginebra took the first seat in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals after eliminating NorthPort in the semifinal round with a 120-107 Game 4 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday night.
The Barangay defused the Batang Pier in the first half, scoring 32 first-quarter points before holding them to just 18 in the second quarter to take a 56-39 halftime lead.
NorthPort came alive in the third quarter by scoring 36 points, but it turned out to be its last straw as Ginebra remained consistent in scoring during the entire second half and eventually sealed the win.
Justin Brownlee flirted with a triple-double after tallying 36 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists with three steals and two blocks for the Barangay, who won three straight games to win the best-of-five series after a tough Game 1 loss.
Japeth Aguilar also came close to a triple-double, making 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists alongside one block and one steal.
Scottie Thompson also achieved a double-double, converting 14 markers and 10 caroms with four assists, one steal, and one block.
They will either face the TNT KaTropa or the Meralco Bolts in the finals, which will start in January.
TNT holds a 2-1 lead in its own semifinal series and can set up the date of the finals on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Chris Standhardinger made 32 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and two steals for NorthPort.
Paolo Taha sizzled off the bench, firing 29 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while in his swan song, Michael Qualls put up 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block.
Sean Anthony also made a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds with six assists, and two steals. (PNA)
