Ginebra seeks to finish off NorthPort

DENIED of a 4-0 sweep in the series, Barangay Ginebra tries to finish off NorthPort in Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

The Gin Kings and the Batang Pier face off at 7:30 p.m.

After dominating the first three games of the series by an average winning margin of 21 points, Ginebra found itself in a tight contest as NorthPort played with a great sense of urgency in Game 4.

Kadeem Jack led NorthPort's attack, finishing with 39 points and 13 rebounds, while Best Player of the Conference candidate Arvin Tolentino came alive, churning out a near triple-double effort of 21 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists as the Batang Pier hacked out a 108-103 win.

"It's just one win and we're gonna need three more. Hopefully we continue winninh, like today we issued 28 assists," said Tolentino after the game.

"The next game to the last (game of the series), we have to find a way. Three more (wins) may seem impossible, but I think there's nothing impossible," he added.

Ginebra, however, remains the odds makers' favorite, given its oozing playoff experience behind three-time PBA Best Import Justin Brownlee, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario and super rookie RJ Abarrientos.

Meanwhile, TNT will also try to finish off Rain or Shine in their 5 p.m. game.

The Tropang Giga took Game 4, 93-85, behind a solid defensive effort that saw them limit the Elasto Painters to just 39 percent shooting from the floor.

A victory by TNT, coupled by Ginebra's win over NorthPort will seal a Finals rematch between the two storied franchises.

Mentored by coach Chot Reyes, TNT beat Ginebra in six games during the Governors' Cup Finals last November.

But knowing Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, the Elasto Painters are expected to play with all their hearts in a no-tomorrow game.

Deon Thompson, who exploded for 44 points in the Game 4 defeat, will spearhead Rain or Shine's bid to force a Game 6, along with Adrian Nocum, who only scored four on 1-of-7 shooting last Wednesday.

Other Rain or Shine locals who will need to step up include Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio, Gian Mamuyac and Leonard Santillan.