MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra performed considered one of its best hits on Saturday evening at Araneta Coliseum in Recreation 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Quarterfinals in opposition to Meralco.
That tune, in fact, was nothing lower than “driving on Justin Brownlee’s shoulders.”
Article continues after this commercial
“Tonight, we rode on the broad shoulders of Justin and we’ve accomplished that many occasions prior to now,” stated Cone after their 104-103 win over the Bolts.
READ: PBA: Justin Brownlee delivers anew as Ginebra goes 2-0 vs Meralco
“Tonight was Justin’s evening, he was superb. We’ve seen so many superb video games of Justin successful video games down the stretch and that is simply one other considered one of them. Add it to the checklist, it could be a high 4 or 5 [performance].”
Article continues after this commercial
Within the dying seconds of one other basic between the playoff rivals, the Gin Kings noticed themselves looking at a 103-101 deficit after huge baskets by Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge for Meralco.
As what Cone has accomplished quite a few occasions prior to now, he referred to as upon his previous dependable and Brownlee delivered prefer it was simply one other day within the workplace.
READ: PBA: Ginebra appears to lock down defensively vs playoffs rival Meralco
Brownlee referred to as for an isolation play and hit a triple from the highest of the important thing over Allen Durham—very similar to he did within the historic Recreation 6 of the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup Finals, coincidentally with the identical group—to provide Ginebra the insurmountable 104-103 lead with 10.1 ticks to go within the recreation.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone and Justin Brownlee after one other barnburner with Meralco. @INQUIRERSports https://t.co/M6jhcD6Km8 pic.twitter.com/d18OWGHsI9
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) September 28, 2024
“We would have liked huge baskets to attain and my teammates all the time trusted in me, they had been calling performs for me so I simply tried to guide and take over the sport and that’s what I attempted to do in one of the simplest ways I can,” stated the longtime resident import for Ginebra.
“Expertise undoubtedly helps however crucial factor is the boldness that my group provides me… Tonight, the group gave me confidence to exit, carry out and be myself,” added Brownlee.
READ: PBA: Joe Devance unretires to affix Ginebra in time for playoffs
The Bolts couldn’t fine-tune a shot that might have gained them the sport as Brownlee completed with 39 factors, seven rebounds and 5 assists.
These 39 factors, nonetheless, didn’t come simple, particularly since he did it in opposition to his old-time rival, Durham.
“It’s all the time robust [playing against him], we now have historical past with Ginebra and Meralco enjoying within the Finals so it’s all the time robust. Give him a whole lot of credit score,” Brownlee stated of the Meralco import.
Durham completed with 39 factors himself within the battle of import heavyweights whereas additionally registering 14 rebounds and three assists.
Ginebra appears to shut out the best-of-five quarterfinals sequence on Monday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate, Manila.