Ginebra ousts ROS, sets semis clash vs SMB

FILE (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Ginebra became the third team to make it to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after eliminating Rain Or Shine, 99-91, in the quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday night.

In a game of quarter-long spurts, the Barangay reigned supreme over the Elasto Painters down the stretch to sweep their best-of-three series, 2-0, as a semifinal clash with the San Miguel Beermen awaits them.

Ginebra zoomed late in the first quarter to take a 28-19 lead at the end of the period, but ROS outscored Ginebra, 27-15, in the second quarter to enter halftime with a 46-43 advantage.

The Barangay then reclaimed the lead, 77-72, at the end of the third quarter after dropping 34 points on the E-Painters during the period.

ROS stayed in step with Ginebra in the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Barangay finished the game on a 12-5 run to seal the win.

Japeth Aguilar led the Barangay with 27 points, 12 rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and three steals.

Jervy Cruz added 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists.

Maverick Ahanmisi made 18 points, seven boards, five dishes, one swipe, and one swat for the E-Painters, who lost three straight games to the Barangay overall including the last game of the elimination round.