WATCH: Jamie Malonzo Highlights [Brgy. Ginebra vs NorthPort | Jan. 19, 2024]
PBA Season 48 Commissioner's Cup QF
Brgy. Ginebra advanced to the semifinals of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, winning against NorthPort, 106-93, Friday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Tony Bishop scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Jamie Malonzo contributed 21 points. The Gin Kings won their fifth consecutive game and will now face sister team and reigning Philippine Cup champion San Miguel in the semifinal round, which will be a best-of-five series.
The Batang Pier were at a disadvantage without their top scorer, Arvin Tolentino, who was unexpectedly unable to play due to a knee injury.
The crowd darlings enjoyed their biggest lead of 23 points, 58-35, at the beginning of the third quarter, and maintained a comfortable margin even when the Batang Pier staged a fightback.
Despite their victory, Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in the second half.
“I’m certainly disappointed with our play in the second half,” said Cone. “I thought we really came out and play with a playoff intensity in the first half, only giving up 35 points. I really liked our effort.”
“Second half, we came out, was a little bit sloppy, we weren’t getting back on defense. I think we started to take the game for granted. You do that against San Miguel, you are going to be blown out,” he added.
Christian Standhardinger scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and had seven assists, while Maverick Ahanmisi contributed 16 points highlighted by four three-pointers.
