(Photo courtesy of PBA Image)
MANILA – Ginebra and San Miguel completed the semifinal cast in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after sweeping their quarterfinals opponents in their Game 2s on Saturday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Gin Kings were the first to clinch a semifinal spot after beating the NorthPort Batang Pier, 99-93.
Ginebra rallied from 18 points down to seize control of the game but still needed to withstand one final push from NorthPort to ice the game.
Justin Brownlee made 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks for the Gin Kings, who assured at least three more "Manila Clasico" games will happen this conference as they will face the Magnolia Hotshots in the semifinals.
Scottie Thompson came just close to a triple-double with 15 points, nine rebounds and nine assists with two steals and one block.
Jeff Chan played his best game for the Batang Pier with 20 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
The Beermen then joined the fray after pipping the Converge FiberXers, 120-107, in the nightcap.
SMB opened a lead as high as 27 points, 102-75, early in the fourth quarter behind yet another solid start against Converge.
However, just like Game 1, the FiberXers roared back later in the fourth and came to within eight, 101-109, with 3:22 left.
Simon Enciso then fired a clutch three-pointer with 2:50 left that sparked the game-deciding 9-2 run to seal the Beermen's win.
Terrence Romeo sizzled for 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting including 5-for-6 from three-point range, one rebound, three assists and two steals to lead SMB, which will face Bay Area in the semifinals.
Devon Scott added 20 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and one steal, while June Mar Fajardo contributed 18 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists and two blocks.
Jeron Teng led Converge, which finished the mid-season conference with four straight losses after a seven-game winning streak, with 25 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals, while Quincy Miller added 24 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three blocks and four steals.
The semifinals will begin on Wednesday back at the PhilSports Arena. (PNA)
