Brownlee catches fire late as Ginebra eliminates San Miguel, sets up finals rematch vs TNT
MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee saved the best for last as Barangay Ginebra earned its place in the PBA Governors’ Cup finals.
Brownlee scattered 9 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, powering the Gin Kings to a thrilling 102-99 win over San Miguel in Game 6 of their best-of-seven semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 20.
The three-time Best Import hit a booming triple with 1:35 minutes left that gave Ginebra a 102-88 lead, which proved enough for the Gin Kings to survive and set up a title rematch with defending champion TNT.
Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals is scheduled on October 27 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Heroes were aplenty for Ginebra as Maverick Ahanmisi finished with a team-high 25 points, Japeth Aguilar put up 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Scottie Thompson had a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds with 4 assists.
Rookie RJ Abarrientos fired 16 points and 6 rebounds to help the Gin Kings return to the championship round in his first conference in the league.
The loss put to waste a 30-point, 9-rebound, 5-assist effort from import EJ Anosike, who scored on a contested layup by Justin Brownlee to pull the Beermen within a whisker, 98-99, with two minutes remaining.
But Brownlee, who also tallied 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, answered with a crucial three-pointer that allowed that Gin Kings to advance and get another crack at the Tropang Giga.
Ginebra lost to TNT in six games in the Governors’ Cup finals two seasons ago.
The Scores
Barangay Ginebra 102 – Ahanmisi 25, Brownlee 21, J. Aguilar 20, Abarrientos 16, Thommpson 10, Cu 7, Holt 3, mariano 0, Adamos 0.
San Miguel 99 – Anosike 30, Fajardo 22, Lassiter 16, Perez 13, Cruz 8, Trollano 8, Manuel 2, Romeo 0, Ross 0.
Quarters : 23-27, 46-49, 76-75, 102-99.
– Rappler.com