The final four cast is almost complete.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel turned it up in the second period before pummelling the NorthPort Batang Pier, 106-93, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals on Friday.
The Gin Kings consequently arranged a semifinals affair against sister team San Miguel Beermen, who just beat the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters earlier.
Tony Bishop led all scorers with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and four assists for the champs, who used a strong 30-13 second quarter performance to erect a 55-35 lead heading into the break.
They were never in any danger of squandering that lead since then.
Jamie Malonzo also had a spectacular outing with 21 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Christian Standhardinger and Maverick Ahanmisi added 18 and 16 points, respectively for Ginebra.
"It’s the playoffs so we gotta step it up. That’s sort of the mindset coach has been stressing on," said Malonzo after the match at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Batang Pier didn't go down without a fight.
But the Gin Kings did just enough to fend off every NorthPort attempt at a comeback and pick up the win that will pit them against the red-hot Beermen in the semis.
JM Calma posted a double-double outing of 19 points and 10 rebounds for NorthPort.
Joshua Munzon also added 19 points, while import Venky Jois had a triple-double performance with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 dimes for the Batang Pier in a losing effort.