Barangay Ginebra San Miguel notched its first win in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals as it took down TNT, 85-73, in Game 3 of the series on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra extended the series while TNT still leads the best-of-seven affair, 2-1.
After ending the third quarter with a slim 62-59 lead, Barangay Ginebra led by 10, 79-69 after back-to-back baskets from Justin Brownlee and Mav Ahanmisi with less than three minutes left in the fourth period. The margin further widened with Ahanmisi’s freebies off a Rondae Hollis-Jefferson foul. Late free throws from Ahanmisi gave Ginebra its biggest lead, 84-71, before Stephen Holt’s split sealed the deal.
Crucial also for the victory was LA Tenorio’s starting role, as head coach Tim Cone said it was his way of extending his rotation.
“We’re just trying to manage our lineup and rotation. One of the things we did was we started LA tonight just to lengthen our rotation. I thought he did a tremendous job leading us early and getting us into what we wanted to do. He did a tremendous job, along with Scottie, and I thought that was a real change for us that helped,” Cone said.
The Barangay Ginebra head coach also praised RHJ’s strength as the latter played for almost the entire game in Game 2.
“The things he does just amazes us as a team. He’s by far the best import that I’ve seen in terms of defense and hustle,” Cone said. “That’s why he was an NBA guy. I don’t know why he’s not in the NBA. He should be in the NBA. He is special.”
Brownlee had a double-double outing of 18 points and 13 rebounds, along with four assists, four blocks, and a steal for Barangay Ginebra while Ahanmisi had 16 points. Scottie Thompson had 15 points, five boards, four assists, and a steal, while Japeth Aguilar and Holt had 10 points apiece.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, meanwhile, had 24 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and a block for TNT.
For Thompson, the win also boosted their confidence.
“Sobrang laking bagay sa amin ‘tong panalong ‘to kasi kung hindi namin nakuha ‘to, our backs are against the wall coming sa Game 4 so very crucial sa amin,” said Thompson.
Scores:
Barangay Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 18, Ahanmisi 16, Thompson 15, J.Aguilar 10, Holt 10, Tenorio 9, Cu 3, Abarrientos 2, Devance 2.
TNT 73 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Erram 12, Castro 10, Pogoy 10, Oftana 9, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 2, Williams 2, Aurin 2.
Quarters: 20-19, 42-39, 62-59, 85-73.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
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