MANILA, Philippines – At the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Barangay Ginebra defeated San Miguel Beer 121-92 in their PBA Governors’ Cup semifinal series. Although Justin Brownlee did not have a spectacular scoring display on Friday, his local teammates made up for it admirably.

Although Justin Brownlee’s 18 points was a considerable decline from his 49 points in the previous game, Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos’ combined 50 points enabled Barangay Ginebra advance 3-2 in their best-of-seven semifinal series. Ginebra will now have two opportunities to end the series, beginning on Sunday.

The Gin Kings’ ability to hold off the San Miguel Beermen’s early offensive burst, which saw SMB run out to a 13-point lead, was a relief to coach Tim Cone. The Beermen’s quick start reminded everyone of their resounding victory in Game 4 (131–121). But Ginebra was able to reorganize and react well, winning a vital match to take back the series.

Barangay Ginebra’s head coach, Tim Cone, gave some insight into his team’s tenacious effort in a crucial playoff match. Cone admitted that, similar to the last game, their opponents responded forcefully to the opening whistle and gave it their best. As their opponents’ offensive assault caused anxiety during the team’s early timeouts, Ginebra found themselves under early pressure. Cone likened the situation to Game 4, where they had similarly had trouble from the beginning with the energy of their opponents.

Cone gave tribute to two important players, RJ and Joe Devance, for helping the club recover their poise in the first quarter despite the early setback. Ginebra was able to relax and concentrate on the game plan thanks to their consistent play, especially their timely shots. Scottie Thompson, who was crucial in keeping the club within striking distance in the early going of the game, was also commended by Cone. Thompson’s unwavering enthusiasm and diligence were essential in keeping the game from slipping away.

Cone speculates that the team might have been very “pumped up” at the start of the game, which caused some disarray on the court. But as the game went on, Ginebra managed to find a rhythm and successfully implement their plans. Several players, not just their star import Justin Brownlee, were credited with making significant contributions to this change in momentum.

Before Abarrientos worked primarily with Brownlee and Aguilar in the second period, Ginebra outscored SMB 29–17 to take a 63–50 advantage at the half. In fact, Thompson scored 18 of his 22 points in the first session.

San Miguel demonstrated their trademark tenacity by cutting the deficit to just two points at 73-75. However, a pivotal 14-4 run that increased Ginebra’s lead to 92-77 was started by Stephen Holt’s clutch three-pointer. The Kings took complete control of the game after that, taking advantage of San Miguel’s poor shooting and costly mistakes. Ginebra’s unrelenting push enabled them to increase their lead even more, eventually establishing a commanding 121-90 lead. Ginebra made sure they maintained tight control and put themselves in a position to win the series with this dominant effort.
June Mar Fajardo contributed 17 points and 18 rebounds, while EJ Anosike led the Beermen with 21 points.

Marcio Lassiter and CJ Perez both contributed 16 points, but SMB’s 19 turnovers and 38-for-80 field goal shooting made it obvious that they were trying to gain the series lead.

Scores at the end of the match

GINEBRA with 121 points for the win

Individual scores: Abarrientos 28, Thompson 22, Brownlee 18, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Holt 9, Cu 4, Pinto 3, Adamos 2, Devance 2, Pessumal 2, R.Aguilar 2, Mariano 1.

SAN MIGUEL with 92 points

Individual scores: Anosike 21, Fajardo 17, Perez 16, Lassiter 16, Trollano 7, Ross 4, Enciso 4, Cruz 3, Brondial 2, Romeo 2, Nava 0, Tautuaa 0, Rosales 0.

Scores per quarter

34-33, 63-50, 92-79, 121-92