Justin Brownlee delivered an impressive performance with 29 points and 13 rebounds, leading the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a 99-92 victory over the Meralco Bolts in Game 1 of their PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals on Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Brownlee was pivotal in the final quarter, scoring 10 points in the last 12 minutes, including two crucial free throws with 27 seconds remaining to secure a seven-point cushion for the Gin Kings.
Ginebra had earlier built a commanding 10-point lead, 95-85, with 2:50 left, courtesy of an RJ Abarrientos three-pointer. However, the Bolts managed to chip away at the deficit before Brownlee and Scottie Thompson stepped up in the closing moments.
“It’s an interesting dynamic for us because we haven’t faced Meralco this conference. So it’s a bit of a feeling-out process,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Thompson added 19 points, with a key layup at the 1:23 mark giving Ginebra a comfortable 97-88 lead. Stephen Holt contributed 14 points, including a free throw early in the fourth quarter that extended their lead to three, 74-71.
For Meralco, Cliff Hodge led the charge with 23 points but was limited to just four in the final period.
