Ginebra overcomes Alaska's late comeback, advances to semi-final round.

Photo by Aldrin Alejo

LA Tenorio, Justin Brownlee and the rest of the Barangay Ginebra squad finally booked a ticket to the Semi Finals after almost 2 years after beating fiery Alaska Aces. It was a close fight from the tip-off until the end of the 1st quarter when both teams were tied at 23 a piece. But Ginebra ended the 2nd half with 12 points advantage against the Aces. The Aces played catch up until the 3rd quarter but fell shortly as Barangay Ginebra lead as much as 26 points. LA tenorio scored 32 points, one of the best performances of the veteran point guard which anchored their way to this win.


Alaska Aces on the other hand finally made a huge run during the pay-off period with 13-1 run and finding their way an inch closer to Ginebra with a solitary gap. Alaska got the possession with a few seconds in the clock with Ginebra still on the driver's seat with 4 points lead where Calvin Abueva troop to the free throw line after being fouled while taking a three point attempt. Unfortunately missing all three free throws which almost got them a point closer to their opponent. Ginebra then called a time out and Justin Brownlee took a three point shot which he made and put them back in the safe zone.

Ginebra will be facing San Miguel Beermen in a best of 5 series in the semi-final round, and will be expected to be a must watch series as Junmar Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen try to get back on to the finals' stage. The rest of the Barangay will try to clinch a finals seat to end their title drought.

Best player of the game : LA Tenorio 32 points


The scores:

GINEBRA 109 - Tenorio 32, Brownlee 29, Mercado 14, Aguilar 12, Marcelo 7, Devance 6, Caguioa 4, Thompson 3, Cruz 2, Mariano 0, Helterbrand 0.

ALASKA 104 - Henton 27, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Hontiveros 12, Manuel 10, Casio 9, Thoss 9, Banchero 5, Racal 2, Baclao 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.

Quarterscores: 23-23, 53-41, 86-66, 109-104