Ginebra takes series lead
GINEBRA played steady down the stretch, rallying to beat Bay Area, 89-82, on Wednesday for a 2-1 lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals at the MOA Arena.
Scottie Thompson put the Gin Kings ahead with a putback with a little over a minute left and Jamie Malonzo made it a five-point lead by nailing a triple with under a minute left.
Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 34 points and 17 rebounds, sparking a 13-0 run in the closing minutes with a jumper.
Bay Area import Andrew Nicholson had 23 points and 24 rebounds before leaving late with a left ankle injury when he landed on Malonzo’s foot in a rebound play.
Another Converge trade
CONVERGE completed its second trade in as many days, acquiring Jerrick Blaanza while sending Allyn Bulanadi to NorthPort.
The deal, which reunites Letran Knight Balanza with his college coach Aldin Ayo, was approved by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Wednesday.
The FiberXers had wanted to trade for Balanza since September.
Converge on Tuesday got Barkley Ebona and a first-round pick in Season 48, with Mike Digregorio, RK Ilagan and Tyrus Hill going to Blackwater.
Baltazar to play in Korea
JUSTINE Baltazar is set to see action in the Korean Basketball League, according to sources.
Released by the Japan B.League’s Hiroshima Dragonflies in December, Baltazar is set to play for the Seoul Samsung Thunders.
The 6-foot-9 forward has also been lined up for Strong Group Philippines which sees action in the Dubai Invitational set to start on Jan. 27.