Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 8) — Barangay Ginebra moved one step closer to winning the PBA Commissioner’s Cup after holding off a comeback attempt by the Bay Area Dragons for a 101-91 victory in Game 5 of the finals Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Stanley Pringle knocked down two treys in the crucial stretch of the final quarter to help Ginebra snag the 3-2 series lead in front of 21,823 screaming fans. He finished the contest with 20 points and five rebounds.
As Bay Area continued to play without import Andrew Nicholson and Glen Yang who are nursing injuries, the Dragons fell short in pulling off another stunner in the best-of-seven series.
Justin Brownlee chipped in 37 points and eight rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar added 12 points and six rebounds for Ginebra which is aiming for its 15th PBA overall championship.
Hayden Blankley exploded for 29 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, while Game 4 hero Kobey Lam tallied 16 points and three rebounds for Bay Area.
