Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra foiled the upset bid of Terrafirma to claim a 109-104 win and became the second quarterfinalist to clinch a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Justin Brownlee prevailed in his import matchup with Jordan Williams while Jamie Malonzo’s slam with 13 seconds left sealed the deal for the Gin Kings against a Dyip side that threatened to pull off an unlikely upset before wrapping up Season 47.
Ginebra secured the quarterfinal bonus after improving to 8-2 going into the All-Star break, a much-needed result before taking on TNT on March 17 to conclude the elimination round.
“Tonight’s game was very crucial for us,” said coach Tim Cone. “We really needed to come out and get this because we didn’t want to fool around and having to try and beat TNT [and potentially drop out of the top four.]”
Brownlee finished with 38 points after facing Williams, whose offensive outburst kept Terrafirma in contention throughout the fourth quarter.
But Terrafirma fell short in the end and finished the season-ending conference with a 2-9 record.
Christian Standhardinger, named Player of the Week by the PBA Press Corps, had 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, while Malonzo posted 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Gin Kings.
The Gin Kings took the lead for good when Nards Pinto knocked down a three to break a 102-all tie, 2:10 remaining. Eric Camson scored a putback to keep the Dyip within a point, which turned out to be their final basket.
Brownlee scored past Williams to make it 107-104 for Ginebra before blocking the Dyip reinforcement’s attempt on the ensuing possession. Malonzo then put the icing on the cake with a two-handed dunk as the Gin Kings survived a scare.
The scores:
GINEBRA 109 — Brownlee 38, Standhardinger 23, Malonzo 16, Thompson 13, Pinto 9, Gray 7, Pringle 3.
TERRAFIRMA 104 — Williams 35, Tiongson 18, Camson 11, Gomez de Liano 8, Calvo 7, Cahilig 7, Mina 7, Daquioag 3, Cabagnot 3, Ramos 3, Gabayni 2, Ferrer 0, Alolino 0.
Quarters: 26-24, 52-48, 78-79, 109-104.
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