Barangay Ginebra cranked up, winning back-to-back wins heading to a killer stretch in its schedule of games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round.

The Kings closed in on the frontrunners as they scored their first successive victories in the tourney with a 99-86 drubbing of the Air21 Express at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday night.

“It’s a crucial win for us. We needed that to build our confidence going to a tough run of games against the fancied teams,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“We’re still not playing well. Hopefully, we can get there as we play San Miguel, Rain or Shine and Talk n Text. Mabigat yung stretch na yon,” Uichico added.

Nate Brumfield got away with a double-double game with 26 points and 15 rebounds while Willie Miller, Ronald Tubid and Mark Caguioa contributed at least 14 points each as the Kings made it two in a row after a 107-92 spanking of the Powerade Tigers Friday.

The Kings played a well balanced game with the starters getting the team to a good start and the reserves sustaining the pace as Ginebra improved its record to 3-2.

The Express remained on a skid with a fourth straight loss after a triumphant debut versus the San Miguel Beermen.

Miller and Caguioa both played well coming off the bench, proving to be key factors as the Kings seized control in the second period and dominated the Express the rest of the way.

The Kings outscored the Express on all quarters.

The Express waged a rally at the finish but Miller and Brumfield delivered crucial plays to clinch it for the Kings.

Brumfield nailed two charities and a short stab making it 91-82 entering the last two minutes.

Miller and Caguioa combined for 17 points coming off the bench as they helped Ginebra to a 41-34 lead at the half.

The Kings built momentum in the second quarter feeding on hustle plays.

They then stepped on the gas in their return from the halftime huddle, leading by as many as 17 at 59-42 on Tubid’s fourth triple in the night.

After the Express came to within nine, Tubid banged away another trey, and the Kings got a 72-60 cushion going to the final period.

Tubid finished with 17 on 5-of-7 three-point shooting. He also grabbed eight rebounds and issued three assists.

Alpha Bangura had 26 points, Danny Seigle 23 points and seven rebounds and JayR Reyes 13 boards and eight points for Air21.

The scores:

Ginebra 99 – Brumfield 26, Miller 18, Tubid 17, Caguioa 14, Cortez 7, Hatfield 7, Wilson W. 5, Wilson J. 2, Menk 2, Villanueva 1, Aquino 0, Intal 0.

Air21 86 – Bangura 26, Seigle 23, Hontiveros 10, Reyes 8, Sharma 6, Artadi 5, Juntilla 3, Pena 3, Gonzales 2, Urbiztondo 0, Arboleda 0.

Quarterscores: 20-19, 41-34, 72-60, 99-86