WATCH: BPG interview with Arvin Tolentino [Brgy. Ginebra vs NorthPort | Dec. 17, 2021]

Brgy. Ginebra made it back-to-back as the titleholder made mincemeat of an all-Filipino NorthPort rival for a 108-82 win in the 46th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

The Gin Kings simply pounced on Cameron Forte’s absence, leading from start to finish for a rousing follow-up to their winning debut against the Alaska Milk Aces, 80-77, Sunday.

Even minus their injury-hit reinforcement, the Batang Pier didn’t back down but just couldn’t get to the fight. They reeled to a fourth straight loss – two of which they played with Forte confined on the bench.

Though also missing some key players, the Kings hardly encountered problems.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone noted his three bigs Justin Brownlee, Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar blending well together, and rookie gunner Arvin Tolentino making his outside shots and thus opening up the NorthPort’s interior defense.

“It’s the best game so far for us with Japeth and Christian playing together. The three blended well,” said Cone of what proved to be a big key in their annihilation of the Batang Pier.

Brownlee finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and six assists, Aguilar collected 11 markers and six boards while Standhardinger chipped in eight points, eight assists and six rebounds.

Tolentino, inspired by a newborn daughter, made his presence felt with 16 points highlighted by four three-pointers.