WATCH: Interview with Best Player Tony Bishop and Coach Tim Cone [Jan. 7, 2024]

The scramble for the Top 4 is now down among five teams.

Titleholder Barangay Ginebra eased NorthPort out of the chase for the twice-to-beat incentive as the Gin Kings repulsed the Batang Pier, 103-93, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Tony Bishop, Christian Standhardinger and Jamie Malonzo led the Ginebra juggernaut versus Venky Jois and his teammates as the Kings kept in step with the San Miguel Beermen at fourth place at 7-3 while sending the Batang Pier to a 6-5 finish in the elims.

But it will still be a mad scramble to the finish with only Magnolia (9-2) assured of a spot in the Top 4. The three other coveted spots will be contested by Meralco (7-2), Phoenix Super LPG (7-2), San Miguel Beer and Ginebra.

The Fuel Masters and the Bolts clash in a virtual playoff duel Wednesday at the Big Dome with the winner finally claiming a twice-to-beat bonus.

Ginebra and San Miguel, meanwhile, close out their elims campaigns versus NLEX and Blackwater, respectively. They need to win those matches for a shot at the Top 4.

Coach Tim Cone’s troops took care of business versus the Batang Pier, with a crucial breakaway from 69-all count late in the third.