Justin Brownlee fired the game-winning three to lift Barangay Ginebra past Meralco, 104-103, in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Justin Brownlee delivers late-game magic anew vs Meralco, lifts Ginebra to verge of PBA semis
The Gin Kings now hold a crucial 2-0 lead over the Bolts after the triumph, moving closer to a semis spot in the import-laden tourney.
“Tonight, we jumped on the broad shoulders of Justin and we’ve done that many times in the past,” coach Ginebra Tim Cone said during the postgame press conference.
The dagger trey was reminiscent of Brownlee’s heroics against the Bolts in the 2016 Governors’ Cup Finals.
But before hitting that three, it was also Brownlee who stopped Allen Durham’s attack on the other side of the court, blocking the latter to keep the Gin Kings in striking distance at 103-101.
Cliff Hodge and Durham had their chances to snatch the game with 10.1 seconds left, but both of them missed their attempts as the Gin Kings celebrated their 2-0 advantage when the time expired.
Brownlee posted a total of 39 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Scottie Thompson also had 19 points and six boards for Cone.
Durham had 39 points in a losing effort.
Ginebra could seal a semis berth on Monday, September 30, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 104 – Brownlee 39, Thompson 19, Ahanmisi 15, Abarrientos 11, J.Aguilar 11, Holt 6, Cu 3, Devance 0, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, R.Aguilar 0
MERALCO 103 – Durham 39, Newsome 23, Hodge 15, Quinto 8, Bates 7, Mendoza 6, Banchero 3, Pasaol 2, Caram 0, Rios 0, Almazan 0
QUARTERS: 28-21, 48-41, 79-75, 104-103