PBA: Justin Brownlee’s 39 points help Ginebra beat NorthPort in quarter-final opener
Barangay Ginebra striker Justin Brownlee. PBA PICTURES
MANILA, Philippines — Barangay Ginebra was finally able to knock out NorthPort after a late third-quarter surge to claim a 118-102 win in its first of three quarter-finals and on course to advance to the semis. of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.
Justin Brownlee wasted 10 of his 39 points in the final three minutes of the third as the Gin Kings were able to pull away and finally saw their aspirations of reaching the last four of the mid-season tournament within reach.
“They’re a frustrating team to play because they’re good,” said coach Tim Cone, who along with his staff opted to wear black polo shirts instead of his usual tie.
Ginebra can wrap up Saturday at the same venue and set up a semi-final meeting with either Magnolia or Phoenix.
Four other players scored in double figures, including Stanley Pringle with 16 and LA Tenorio with 12 on four three-pointers.
His downtown tally also allowed Tenorio to pass Ronnie Magsanoc for fourth all-time on the career three-man list while being four behind James Yap’s equalizer at No. 3 with 1,174.
Arvin Tolentino scored 29 while Robert Bolick had 21, but Batang Pier ran out of steam after keeping the game close in the first half and most of the third period.
Ginebra was only up 75-73 when Brownlee led a late-quarter push that put his team in safer territory.
His scoring spree highlighted a 14-1 run that put the Gin Kings ahead 89-74 entering the final chant.
The sheet music:
GINEBRA 118 — Brownlee 39, Pringle 16, Malonzo 13, Tenorio 12, Thompson 11, Gray 9, J.Aguilar 7, Mariano 6, Standhardinger 5.
NORTHPORT 102 — Tolentino 29, Bolick 21, Ibeh 18, Ferrer 15, Sumang 9, Navarro 8, Ayaay 2, Chan 0, Calma 0, Balanza 0.
Quarters: 29-24, 56-50, 89-74, 118-102.
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