SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Ginebra Rolls Over San Miguel To Take Semis Lead: Locals Step Up As Brownlee Takes a Backseat
Photo credit: PBA
Barangay Ginebra didn't need another scoring explosion from Justin Brownlee to dominate San Miguel Beer in Game 5 of their PBA Governors' Cup semifinals. With the Ynares Center in Antipolo as the backdrop, the Gin Kings cruised to a 121-92 victory, fueled by big performances from their local stars.
Brownlee, who lit up the scoreboard with 49 points in Game 4, played a supporting role this time, tallying 18 points. But Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos stole the show, combining for a remarkable 50 points to give Ginebra a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The win sets up the Gin Kings with two chances to close out the series, starting Sunday.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged that San Miguel came out swinging, just like in their 131-121 Game 4 win. "I tell you, they came out with guns a-blazing at the beginning of the game. It was almost like Game 4 all over again," Cone said, recalling the anxious moments early in the match when the Beermen built a 13-point lead. "But we kind of got settled. RJ and Joe (Devance) hit some shots, and Scottie kept us in the game early. We were just too pumped up at the beginning and weren’t really thinking the game."
Cone was quick to highlight his team's defense as a crucial factor in the turnaround. Japeth Aguilar and Joe Devance's efforts on that end helped limit the Beermen's firepower, allowing Ginebra to regain control.
Thompson got things going by scoring 18 of his 22 points in the opening quarter, while Abarrientos worked with Brownlee and Aguilar in the second period to outscore SMB, 29-17, putting Ginebra ahead 63-50 by halftime.
San Miguel fought back and cut the deficit to just two points, 73-75. But a timely three-point play from Stephen Holt ignited a 14-4 run that pushed Ginebra's lead to 92-77. From there, the Gin Kings never looked back, taking advantage of the Beermen's 19 turnovers and inconsistent shooting.
San Miguel's EJ Anosike led his team with 21 points, while June Mar Fajardo contributed 17 points and 18 rebounds. CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter each added 16 points, but the Beermen couldn't sustain their early momentum, struggling to keep up with Ginebra’s balanced attack.
With the series now tilted in Ginebra’s favor, the Gin Kings are just one win away from clinching a finals berth.
Brownlee, who lit up the scoreboard with 49 points in Game 4, played a supporting role this time, tallying 18 points. But Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos stole the show, combining for a remarkable 50 points to give Ginebra a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series. The win sets up the Gin Kings with two chances to close out the series, starting Sunday.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged that San Miguel came out swinging, just like in their 131-121 Game 4 win. "I tell you, they came out with guns a-blazing at the beginning of the game. It was almost like Game 4 all over again," Cone said, recalling the anxious moments early in the match when the Beermen built a 13-point lead. "But we kind of got settled. RJ and Joe (Devance) hit some shots, and Scottie kept us in the game early. We were just too pumped up at the beginning and weren’t really thinking the game."
Cone was quick to highlight his team's defense as a crucial factor in the turnaround. Japeth Aguilar and Joe Devance's efforts on that end helped limit the Beermen's firepower, allowing Ginebra to regain control.
Thompson got things going by scoring 18 of his 22 points in the opening quarter, while Abarrientos worked with Brownlee and Aguilar in the second period to outscore SMB, 29-17, putting Ginebra ahead 63-50 by halftime.
San Miguel fought back and cut the deficit to just two points, 73-75. But a timely three-point play from Stephen Holt ignited a 14-4 run that pushed Ginebra's lead to 92-77. From there, the Gin Kings never looked back, taking advantage of the Beermen's 19 turnovers and inconsistent shooting.
San Miguel's EJ Anosike led his team with 21 points, while June Mar Fajardo contributed 17 points and 18 rebounds. CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter each added 16 points, but the Beermen couldn't sustain their early momentum, struggling to keep up with Ginebra’s balanced attack.
With the series now tilted in Ginebra’s favor, the Gin Kings are just one win away from clinching a finals berth.
Oct 18, 2024
We are dedicated storytellers with a passion for bringing your brand to life. Our services range from news and media features to brand promotion and collaborations.
Interested? Visit our
Contact Us page for more information. To learn more about what we offer, check out our latest article on services and opportunities.
