Defending champion Barangay Ginebra aims for a smooth entry to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as they face the sixth-ranked Northport on Friday at the Philsports Arena.
The Gin Kings hold a twice-to-beat advantage over Batang Pier.
Coach Tim Cone and his team, aiming to defend the title they secured against the Bay Area Dragons last year, recognize that there are no easy games in the playoffs.
Under coach Bonnie Tan, the youthful Batang Pier squad is aiming for its first semifinals appearance since the 2019 Governors’ Cup.
Tan will be fielding reinforcement Venky Jois, who averaged 24.5 points, 15.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.8 steals per game. Supporting him are the vastly improved Arvin Tolentino, who is averaging 22.3 points a game, and Joshua Munzon, who has been solid with averages of 12.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 steals.
On the other side, Ginebra will rely on their tested lineup, which includes Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, and Tony Bishop.
The post Ginebra aims for direct path to semifinals first appeared on Fastbreak.
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