Brownlee vs. Hollis-Jefferson rematch set

THE Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings have returned to their rightful spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Finals, defeating their sister team San Miguel Beermen in a nail-biting 102-99 victory.

Brgy. Ginebra was playing a catch-up game against San Miguel, as the Gin Kings trailed for the majority of the game, but they were able to keep the lead of the latter team within striking distance.

Despite the all-game tight matchup at the packed Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, the Gin Kings were able to sneak past the Beermen in their semifinals Game 6 showdown on Sunday night.

Classic Gin Kings

In the first quarter, Marcio Lassiter connected on the majority of his shots from the perimeter and three-point range, paired by their import EJ Anosike’s outstanding showing down below in the shaded area, as they led 25-23.

However, Ginebra’s third-overall pick rookie, RJ Abarrientos, was able to steer the wheel for his side. Before the end of the first quarter, the youngster scored five consecutive points, closing the margin. 

With confidence, Abarrientos started the second quarter with an isolation lay-up, then set up teammates Justin Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar, and Maverick Ahanmisi for uncontested baskets. 

Ginebra capitalized on the momentum change and played even better team offense by sharing the ball to take the lead against San Miguel, 76-75, at the end of the third quarter. 

With only one point in the game, 99-98, two minutes after Anosike’s basket, Brownlee emerged as Ginebra’s hero, hitting the dagger triple to increase their lead to four, 102-98.

Fajardo split his trip to the foul line at 1:34, but he still managed to give his team a better opportunity of tying or leading with a four-pointer. Unfortunately, that was as near as they could get.

A team effort

Ginebra’s Ahanmisi led the way with 25 points, two rebounds, one assist, and a steal, while Brownlee followed with 21 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks. 

Aguilar added 20 points and six rebounds, Abarrientos had 16 points, six assists, and three rebounds, and Scottie Thompson had a double-double of 10 points and 14 rebounds, as well as four assists, one steal, and one block.

“It took every little ounce of whatever we had left to win tonight. It just took a long toll on all of us and them,” said Ginebra’s head coach Tim Cone. “It came down to the last moments, and we were limping to the finish line.”

Meanwhile, Brownlee and Ginebra will face their Season 47 Governors’ Cup Finals opponent, the Rondae Hollis-Jefferson-led TNT Tropang Giga. Brownlee suffered his first defeat in seven PBA finals appearances during their opening encounter. 

Brownlee, on the other hand, is looking to make history by improving his PBA Finals record to 7-1 and breaking his tie with the iconic import Sean Chambers at six championships. 

In the opposite corner, Hollis-Jefferson hopes to make his stamp on Philippine basketball history and possibly begin a long career here like Brownlee. Despite the challenges ahead, Cone is looking forward to their clash.

“What I do want to say is that, about Coach Chot [Reyes], is that he has done a tremendous job of turning that team into a defensive juggernaut,” said Cone.

“That reflects the personality of his best player in Rondae, and he’s formed the team around Rondae’s personality. They’ve become a very good defensive team.”

The PBA Governors Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang Giga will take place at Antipolo City. Game 1 will be held at the Ynares Center on Sunday, October 27 at 7:30 PM.