Justin Brownlee notched a new career-high outing to power Barangay Ginebra to a 108-102 victory over San Miguel as the Gin Kings scored its breakthrough in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Brownlee dropped 16 points in the crucial fourth period en route to a career-best 51 points he laced with 13 rebounds, six steals, and five assists to help Ginebra atone for a previous loss to Rain or Shine, improving to 1-1 in Group B.
The Beermen, meanwhile, slipped to 2-1 after opening the season with two straight wins over Phoenix and Blackwater.
But before eking out the win, Ginebra had to weather San Miguel’s 18-9 rampage bridging the third and fourth periods with Terrence Romeo and Jeron Teng sinking four-point shots for an 85-79 lead.
Brownlee caught fire, scoring nine points as part of a 13-4 rampage that saw them cruising to a 92-89 lead before he completed a three-point play that had them at 102-98 advantage.
Japeth Aguilar then knocked down back-to-back baskets, the second one coming off a dish from Brownlee, to send Ginebra to a 106-102 cushion.
A successful challenge by Ginebra coach Tim Cone allowed the squad to manufacture a final play with Brownlee escaping the defense of Jordan Adams to seal the deal.
Aguilar finished with 21 points to continue his fine play for Ginebra while rookie RJ Abarrientos came alive and chipped in 13 markers, three assists, and one steal.
Adams top-scored San Miguel with 23 points while eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo chimed in with 17 markers, 17 rebounds, and three steals.
Scores:
Ginebra 108 – Brownlee 51, J.Aguilar 21, Abarrientos 13, Thompson 7, Holt 5, Ahanmisi 4, Go 4, Tenorio 3, Cu 0, Adamos 0, Garcia 0.
San Miguel 102 – Adams 23, Fajardo 17, Perez 14, Romeo 13, Teng 12, Ross 5, Rosales 4, Trollano 4, Cruz 4, Manuel 4, Tautuaa 2, Lassiter 0.
Quarters: 24-24, 46-46, 74-79, 108-102.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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