MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee refused to let Barangay Ginebra get buried in a precarious 0-3 hole.
Brownlee hit key buckets and put the clamps on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson down the stretch as the Gin Kings outlasted TNT, 85-73, in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup finals at the Araneta Coliseum on Friday, November 1.
The three-time Best Import scattered 6 of his 18 points in a win-clinching 17-6 rally that allowed Ginebra to shave its deficit in the best-of-seven battle to 1-2 after dropping the first two games by an average of 14 points.
It was on defense, though, where Brownlee truly shone as he helped limit Hollis-Jefferson to a measly 2 points in the final seven minutes.
Hollis-Jefferson pulled the Tropang Giga within 67-68 before being contained by Brownlee, who also finished with 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 1 steal.
By the time Hollis-Jefferson — who shot 8-of-26 from the field — ended his personal scoring drought with a putback off his own miss with under 10 seconds remaining, the Gin Kings were already guaranteed of the victory.
“The two games kind of woke us up. Hopefully, this also wakes us up and gets us going through this series,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Hollis-Jefferson still churned out monster numbers of 22 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, and 1 block, but he lacked sufficient help from his teammates.
Barangay Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 18, Ahanmisi 16, Thompson 15, J.Aguilar 10, Holt 10, Tenorio 9, Cu 3, Abarrientos 2, Devance 2.
TNT 73 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Erram 12, Castro 10, Pogoy 10, Oftana 9, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 2, Williams 2, Aurin 2.
Quarters : 20-19, 42-39, 62-59, 85-73.
– Rappler.com
