AGAIN and again, Justin Brownlee proves he’s built for the big moment for Barangay Ginebra.
Brownlee didn’t put up huge numbers, but he delivered when it mattered most — hitting the game-winner with 0.6 seconds left as Ginebra edged TNT, 102-100, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The multi-titled Ginebra import drilled a fall-away jumper over Chris McCullough, capping off what RJ Abarrientos started. The Gin Kings recovered just in time after squandering an 18-point lead.
Before Brownlee’s dagger, Abarrientos nailed back-to-back four-pointers to push Ginebra ahead, 100-97. TNT quickly answered with a booming three from RR Pogoy to tie it.
“Nasubok kami sa series against Rain or Shine. At nadala naman in this game,” said Abarrientos, who led Ginebra with 24 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Coach Tim Cone heaved a sigh they salvaged the game after losing control in the fourth quarter.
“I wasn’t happy about the fourth quarter, that’s for sure,” said Cone. “I just felt we’re not defending the way we did early in the game. We ran out of steam.”
But thanks to Abarrientos and Brownlee, the Kings drew first blood in the series. Ginebra goes for a follow-up in Game 2 Friday still at the Big Dome.
Brownlee finished with 23 points that went with eight assists and four rebounds. Troy Rosario contributed 16 and nine while Scottie Thompson added 15, five and six.
The game came down to the last possession as the Tropang 5G fought back from the grave, surging ahead at 91-88 on a run marked by three-pointers and a four-ball from Jordan Heading, Pogoy and Rey Nambatac.
Starters McCullough (with 25 points), Pogoy (22), Nambatac (19), Brandon Ganuelas Rosser (12) and Calvin Oftana (12) all finished in double figures.(SB)
