Barangay Ginebra San Miguel ran roughshod against emerging contender Converge, 115-96, to stay on track for a possible No. 2 seat in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
The Gin Kings displayed solid firepower, but, more importantly, frustrated the FiberXers by grounding import Quincy Miller.
Miller returned to play for Converge after sitting out the previous game due to disciplinary measures, but managed to score only 16 points as the Gin Kings’ defense proved difficult for the National Basketball Association veteran.
By wrapping up their elimination round campaign with a 9-3 win-loss record, the Gin Kings will now wait and see how they will figure in the playoffs. They can automatically secure the No. 2 seed and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinal round, should Magnolia lose its last elimination round game against Rain or Shine on 2 December.
Magnolia carries a 9-2 slate, but will slide to No. 3 if it ties with Ginebra by virtue of the win-over-the-other rule.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 115 – Brownlee 25, Malonzo 17, J.Aguilar 16, Tenorio 14, Standhardinger 13, Thompson 9, Pringle 9, Gray 7, Pessumal 3, R.Aguilar 2, Mariano 0
CONVERGE 96 – Arana 23, Miller 16, Melecio 12, Ilagan 11, Stockton 10, Teng 10, Tratter 6, Tolomia 4, DiGregorio 2, Racal 2, Browne 0, Ambohot 0
QUARTERS: 25-23, 56-48, 84-75, 115-96
