Ginebra's RJ Abarrientos in action. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The series may have lasted five games, but the Gin Kings' destination remained the same.

Barangay Ginebra is on its way to the championship round as it took out NorthPort, 126-99, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

This marked the franchise's 32nd overall finals appearance, while this is Tim Cone's 40th entry to the title bout.

The Cone-mentored squad avenged its Game 4 loss to complete a 4-1 rout of the Batang Pier, setting up another Finals showdown with the Chot Reyes-coached TNT Tropang Giga.

"Actually, 'yung huddle namin before the game, kuya LA [Tenorio] said to us na 'yung pagkatalo namin is 'yun 'yung boost para sa game namin ngayon, said Ginebra rookie guard RJ Abarrientos during the postgame interview.

Abarrientos, off the bench, amassed a total of 20 points and 10 assists to earn Player of the Game nod. He had a lot of help, led by Justin Brownlee who scattered a team-high 21 markers including 11 boards.

Jamie Malonzo also had a 20-piece, Japeth Aguilar delivered 18, while Scottie Thompson chipped in 14 for the Ginebra scoring.

"Nag-step up lang lahat tulad nung three [wins] namin. We want back to the basics and coach Tim, sinabi nya kailangan naming gawin is sustain [consistent play] and mindset is one game at a time," said Abarrientos.

It was the end of the road for the top-seeded NorthPort, which had a strong run but concluded it with almost consecutive losses in the semis.

Kadeem Jack paced the exiting side with 31 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal and a block, while Allyn Bulanadi added 26.

The Scores:

Ginebra 126 - Brownlee 21, Abarrientos 20, Malonzo 20, J. Aguilar 18, Thompson 14, Rosario 11, Ahanmisi 9, Holt 7, Mariano 2, Adamos 2, Pinto 2, Cu 0, Pessumal 0, R. Aguilar 0.

NorthPort 99 - Jack 31, Bulanadi 26, Munzon 12, Taha 10, Tolentino 9, Navarro 9, Onwubere 2, Nelle 0, Flores 0.

Quarterscores: 23-22, 62-53, 97-76, 126-99