Barangay Ginebra edges TNT to clinch second seed

Barangay Ginebra forward Justin Brownlee challenges TNT big man Bol Bol during their game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra clinched the No. 2 spot with a 93-86 victory over TNT to end the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Gin Kings hiked their record to 9-3, setting up a quarterfinals date with the Phoenix Fuel Masters (6-6).

“I think they played a good game like they wanted to but I don’t think it’s a big deal that they lost,” coach Tim Cone said.

READ: PBA: Ginebra shows value of late games with win vs Rain or Shine

“TNT can turn it around in a heartbeat and find themselves in the finals easily and that’s a team that everybody’s eyes have to be on.”

Ginebra closed out TNT with a 7-2 spurt capped by a basket by RJ Abarrientos for a 91-83 cushion with 48 seconds remaining.

Abarrientos finished with 17 points, four rebounds and three assists. Justin Brownlee recorded 18 points and 15 rebounds.

READ: PBA: Ginebra hits 21 3s, shoots down Rain or Shine

TNT suffered its third straight setback despite Bol Bol dominating with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks. Calvin Oftana was the lone Tropang 5G local to hit double-digit scoring with 11.

TNT slid to the eighth seed with a 6-6 record and will face top seed NLEX (10-2), which ended the elims with a four-game winning streak. The top four tea