MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel exacted revenge for their 29-point loss to TNT in the eliminations by dealing the KaTropa a 27-point shellacking, 121-94, to take the opener of their best-of-5 semis series in the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum Monday.

Ginebra was the better team throughout as it took a 12-point lead heading into the break thanks to TNT committing 15 first half turnovers before ending the third quarter with a 20-point cushion, 95-75, behind Greg Slaughter and Joe Devance who scored 8 points apiece in the period. 

Even with a big lead, the Gin Kings did not let their guard down in the last period as they kept the KaTropa scoreless in the first 4 minutes of the fourth quarter to lead by 34 points, 113-79, their biggest of the game.

“They beat us up in the elims and we got them today, that means Game 2 is going to be pretty exciting and real tight. We’re happy we were able to play like this and be able to beat them the way they did,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

After destroying the San Miguel Beermen in the quarterfinals, 104-84, Ginebra has now won back-to-back games by at least 20 points.

It was a complete team effort for Ginebra with 7 players finishing in double figures with import Justin Brownlee scattering a team-high 21 points on top of 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

Devance added 19 points, 4 boards and 3 assists while Slaughter had 16 points to go along with 7 boards and 5 assists.

Glen Rice Jr took charge for TNT with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists but committed 7 turnovers while Jayson Castro chipped in 16 points and 7 assists but turned the ball over 6 times.

Game 2 will be held on Wednesday, October 4, at the Batangas City Coliseum. 

“We hoped they’d be a little lethargic after that tough Rain or Shine series but they will get their legs and they will come back,” Cone added.  

Scores: 

Ginebra (121): Brownlee 21, Devance 19, Slaughter 16, Caguioa 13, Aguilar 10, Cruz 10, Tenorio 10, Mercado 7, Thompson 7, Mariano 4, Taha 4, Aguilar 0, Helterbrand 0,  

TNT (94): Rice Jr. 26, Castro 16, Pogoy 12, Tautuaa 7, Carey 6, Nuyles 6, Rosario 5, Semerad 5, Williams 5, Hernandez 3, Reyes 2, Chua 1, Golla 0, Lingganay 0, Seigle 0 

Quarter scores: 31-22, 60-48, 95-75, 121-94. – Rappler.com