Ginebra arranges finals rematch with TNT

Barangay Ginebra dominated the last three periods on the way to a 126-99 victory over NorthPort and a ticket to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup Finals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After a tight 23-22 first quarter lead, the Gin Kings overwhelmed the Batang Pier with their relentless offense that saw them score 103 points in the last three quarters to wrap up the series at 4-1.

The loss ended NorthPort's dream conference run where the charges of coach Bonnie Tan earned the top seed in the playoffs after finishing the elims with a league-best 9-3 record.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 21 points and 10 rebounds while rookie RJ Abarrientos added 20 points, 10 assists and four rebounds.

Wingman Jamie Malonzo and Japeth Aguilar scored 20 and 18 points, respectively while Scottie Thompson had an all-around game of 14 points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks for the Gin Kings.

The victory sent Ginebra into a finals rematch against TNT in a best-of-seven affair set to start Friday, March 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tropang Giga beat the Gin Kings, 4-2 in the Governors' Cup finals last November.

Kadeem Jack led the Batang Pier with 31 points, Allyn Bulanadi added 26, while Joshua Munzon had 12, seven boards and 11 assists.

Arvin Tolentino finished with nine points, but shot just 2-of-13 from the floor. He also grabbed 13 rebounds.