Ginebra beats Rain or Shine to seize 2-1 series lead

Sports

A STELLAR third-quarter performance propelled the Barangay Ginebra Kings to a crucial 103-98 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painetrs in Game 3 of their semifinal series in the 50th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday night, May 24, at the packed Mall of Asia Arena.

The win gave Ginebra a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, scoring back-to-back wins after losing Game 1, 111-115. Ginebra also won Game 2, 109-101.

Scottie Thompson produced 25 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists as he helped Ginebra recover from a sluggish first half that saw them trail by eight at the bend, 48-56.

Ginebra made a decisive move in the third canto, turning things around behind a 29-12 attack that gave them the upper-hand, 77-68 going into the final quarter.

The Kings then led by as many as 16 points in the fourth then fended off a late run by the Elasto Painters to escape with the convincing victory.

Justin Brownlee was in his usual productive self, putting in 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. RJ Abarrientos helped Ginebra’s cause by unloading 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds.

Jaylen Johnson topped Ginebra with 23 points, rebounds, and eight assists. Caelan Tiongson returned from an injury and added 23 points.

THE SCORES

GINEBRA (103) – Thompson 25, Brownlee 24, Abarrientos 17, Holt 11, Rosario 9, Gray 7, J. Aguilar 7, Cu 3, Pinto 0, Go 0, Torres 0.

RAIN OR SHINE (98) – Tiongson 23, Johnson 23, Nocum 17, Caracut 15, Mamuyac 7, Clarito 5, Asistio 3, David 3, Malonzo 2, Santillan 0, Manaytay 0.QUARTERSCORES: 27-30, 48-56, 77-68, 103-98.(CCM)