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BARANGAY Geneva advanced to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals after an 81-73 win over Rain or Shine on Friday at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.
Japeth Aguilar had a double-double, while Stanley Pringle led a decisive late wave as the Kings, the top favorites, secured a spot in the semi-finals and knocked the Elastopainters out of the PBA-Clark Smart Giga City bubble.
By avoiding a rubber match with the dangerous Rain or Shine squad, Geneva advanced to the Final Four against series winner San Miguel-Meralco in a best-of-five match that will begin on Wednesday.
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Pringle scored on consecutive layups to close the door after Rain or Shine were within one point, 72-71. Pringle’s baskets began a 9-0 run capped by an LA Tenorio triple for an 81-71 lead, the biggest of the game.
Aside from the victory, Geneva manager Tim Cone welcomed the break while waiting for his semi-final opponent.
“It’s always good to know who you’re going to play because you can start the preparations,” Cone said. “This gives us a chance (to rest), especially in this bubble situation where the games are so fast and the guys are tired.”
Aguilar finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds and led the Geneva attack early in the game. The athletic big man from Geneva delivered standout plays, including an alley-oop dunk from a Pringle balloon early in the third quarter.
Aljon Mariano added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Prince Caperal and Pringle had 11 and 10, respectively, for the Kings, who also received 10 rebounds from Scottie Thompson.
Mark Borboran led with 13 points, while Javee Mocon added 12 markers in a disappointing finish to the bubble season for Rain or Shine.
Scores:
Barangay Ginebra 81 – J. Aguilar 23, Caperal 11, Mariano 11, Pringle 10, Tenorio 8, Thompson 7, Dillinger 4, Devance 4, Chan 3, Tolentino 0.
Rain or sun 73 – Borboran 13, Mocon 12, Nambatac 10, Belga 9, Yap 8, Onwubere 6, Wong 6, Ponferada 5, Rosales 2, Arana 2, Norwood 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 20-22; 40-37; 59-55; 81-73.
