Gin Kings stay wary despite 3-2 semis lead over Painters

MANILA, Philippines — Far from over.

Despite holding a 3-2 series lead over Rain or Shine in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semis series, Barangay Ginebra is not resting on its laurels it aims to wrap things up in Game 6.

The Gin Kings grabbed a huge Game 5 win on Friday over the Elasto Painters, 111-104, to move to just one more game from the import-laden conference’s finals.

But Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said the job is far from over.

“Well, first of all, we're not gonna be happy with this win. You know, we've been in this situation the last couple of series we've been in. Best of seven, we led three to two and then got beat. Both times,” he told reporters after the win.

“You know, it's too easy to get too euphoric with a three-two lead and think, oh, you're right there. You're not. We've got a lot of work to do,” he added.

Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos teamed up in the win, with both dropping 30-plus games.

Brownlee finished with 32 points, six rebounds and six assists, to go with four steals and two blocks. Abarrientos, on the other hand, finished with 31 markers, eight dimes, four boards and two steals and a game-high +- of +15.

“A lot of things went our way. Which is great. I mean, we're fortunate. But we've got to move on and be locked in,” Cone said.

“Frankly, I don't even want to talk about [the win.] I just want to lock into Sunday and let's get going on Sunday.”

According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, 80% of the teams that hold a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven semifinal or a finals series go on to win the series, or the title.

Both Ginebra and the TNT Tropang 5G hold a 3-2 series lead in their respective semifinal series.

Troy Rosario added 16 markers while Scottie Thompson had nine for Ginebra.

Adrian Nocum powered Rain or Shine with 25 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal. Jaylen Johnson and Jhonard Clarito had 22 and 20 markers, respectively.

Game 6 is on Sunday, 5:15 p.m.

• Latest
• Trending