Gin Kings Cruise into Semis, Overpower Fuel Masters

Ginebra stamped its ticket to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals in emphatic fashion, defeating Phoenix, 112-81, on Friday night at the Ynares Center.

What was expected to be a tight playoff contest quickly became one-sided, as the Kings erupted in the second quarter with a 34-15 run that erased any early resistance from the Fuel Masters. Ginebra carried a 64-44 lead into halftime and never looked back, becoming the second team to secure a Final Four berth.

The win sets up a marquee semifinal clash with Rain or Shine, which earlier secured its own spot by ousting San Miguel in a 113-104 thriller.

Head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge ahead, especially against a Rain or Shine team known for its relentless intensity.

“I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao and his teams. They play extremely hard, extremely fast. They compete all the time,” Cone said as Ginebra prepared for the best-of-seven series.

Justin Brownlee led the charge for Ginebra, finishing with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists. The three-time Best Import scored 22 points in the first half before exiting in the third quarter with a reported hamstring issue at the 8:15 mark.

Even without Brownlee down the stretch, Ginebra’s momentum never wavered. Scottie Thompson flirted with a triple-double, posting 16 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while RJ Abarrientos also had 16 points and five boards. Stephen Holt added 11 points, and Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Nards Pinto, and Jeremiah Gray all contributed at least six points in a balanced offensive effort.

Cone praised his team’s execution despite the absence of their import.

“I just thought we executed at a really, really high level. Even when Justin left the floor, we continued to move the ball, generate good looks, and play unselfishly,” he said.

Phoenix’s campaign ended in disappointment despite flashes of promise. Ricci Rivero led the Fuel Masters with 15 points and eight rebounds in his return, while Johnathan Williams recorded a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds.

The Fuel Masters started strong, racing to a 21-14 lead and briefly reclaiming it at 29-28 behind Evan Nelle late in the opening quarter. But Ginebra quickly turned the tide, with Brownlee and Thompson steering a decisive counterattack that grew into a comfortable halftime advantage and a runaway finish.

The semifinal series is set to begin next week at the same venue, with the other Final Four matchup to be finalized following the remaining quarterfinal games.