MANILA — Barangay Ginebra moved to within a win from returning to the PBA Governors' Cup finals after mauling NorthPort Batang Pier, 132-105, in Game 3 of their semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.
The Barangay pulled away from the second quarter, holding the Batang Pier to just 17 points before dropping 36 in the third period to seal the breakaway and the 2-1 lead in their best-of-five series.
Justin Brownlee fired 41 points with 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and three blocks for Ginebra, which can clinch the best-of-five series on Friday night in Game 4 back in the same arena.
Japeth Aguilar added 18 markers, 10 boards, one dime, and four blocks.
Michael Qualls put up 32 points, 10 caroms, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in a losing effort.
Chris Standhardinger chipped in 20 points, nine rebounds, one assist, and one steal for NorthPort, which needs to win on Friday night to force sudden death on Sunday.
The scores:
Ginebra 132 - Brownlee 41, J. Aguilar 18, Chan 17, Pringle 14, Tenorio 11, Teodoro 8, Thompson 6, Mariano 6, R. Aguilar 5, Slaughter 4, Dillinger 2, Sargent 0, Caperal 0,
NorthPort 105 - Qualls 32, Standhardinger 20, Taha 15, Anthony 14, Lanete 8, Elorde 7, Cruz 5, King 2, Escoto 2.
Quarterscores: 36-31, 64-48, 100-72, 132-105. (PNA)
