Barangay Ginebra San Miguel used a strong second half to eliminate the Blackwater Elite, 96-82, and boost its twice-to-beat chances in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Brownlee collected 35 points, 14 boards and five assists to pace Ginebra (7-2) which occupied the solo No.2 spot during the homestretch of the elimination round.
LA Tenorio contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Japeth Aguilar added 15 points and six boards for the Gin Kings who officially ousted Blackwater (2-8) from playoff contention.
After being down 57-49 in the early part of the third frame, Ginebra unleashed a 15-2 run for a 64-59 lead.
Blackwater tried to inch closer but a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter sparked by Brownlee and Tenorio gave Ginebra a 79-67 lead which was good enough to seal the win.
Ginebra nabbed the victory even without Joe Devance who missed the game due to throat infection.
Greg Smith scored 37 points and 19 boards for the Elite in the losing effort.