By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings raced to their eight straight win in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday after defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 102-89, in Game One of their best-of-five semifinal series.
It was a continuation of the sea change the Kings have been experiencing in the midseason PBA tournament after opening their campaign with a 1-5 record and a product, their coach said, of the team’s ability to rise up to the challenge when needed.
“That’s what’s doing it for us. We’ve been making big plays at the right time. And so far, so good and we hope to continue doing it,” said Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone following their series-opening victory that pushed them to two wins away from advancing to the finals.
The Kings had control of the match as Justin Brownlee and Jeff Chan showed the way.
Rain or Shine though threatened a number of times but these were something Barangay Ginebra was able to stem each time with clutch baskets and staunch defense to regain footing and create separation anew en route to the win.
Mr. Brownlee had a near triple-double of 35 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists to go along with four blocks and two steals.
Jeff Chan had 21 points, going 3-of-5 from beyond the arc, while Greg Slaughter had 20 points.
Import Reggie Johnson, meanwhile, led Rain or Shine with 30 points and 13 rebounds.
While they are happy with the streak they are currently riding on, Mr. Cone said they should know better that ruling out the ability of the Elasto Painters to bounce back.
“Rain or Shine is a good team and they can only be expected to come back and do what they do well,” Mr. Cone said.
Game Two between Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine is today at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
