WATCH: On to the semis after tough series against NorthPort!

Brgy. Ginebra plastered a hapless NorthPort side, 99-93, in Game 2 of their best-of-three quarterfinal series in the PBA Season 47 Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Down by as much as 18 in the opening quarter, the Gin Kings went to work in the succeeding period and managed to trim the deficit to only 4 going into the halftime break. The onslaught continued in the second half with the crowd darlings establishing a 12-point advantage in the payoff period on the way to sweeping the series, 2-0.

The victory resulted in a semifinals duel with Manila Clasico rival Magnolia.

Justin Brownlee paced the Tim Cone-mentored squad with 20 points to go with 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. The 34-year old soon-to-be naturalized Filipino, however, struggled from the field converting only 8-of-20 attempts including only 1-of-6 from beyond the arc in 43 minutes of playing time.

“We have a few days to kinda get over this (quarterfinal matchup with NorthPort) and move on to the next,” said during the post-game presser.

“But I’m concerned because we didn’t play that well tonight. We play like that against Magnolia and it’s not gonna be much of a Clasico. We gotta pick it up,” he added.

Scottie Thompson led the local charge with an almost triple-double effort of 15 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists in addition to 2 steals and a block. LA Tenorio and Jamie Malonzo added 14 markers apiece with the former draining 4 three-pointers for the second straight game. Christian Standhardinger contributed 13 points while Stanley Pringle and Jeremiah Gray scored 10 and 9, respectively.

Game 1 of ‘Semis Clasico’ is set on Wednesday, December 14, 5:45pm at the same venue.