MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee took over down the stretch to help Barangay Ginebra edge erstwhile unbeaten NorthPort, 73-70, in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, June 1.

Brownlee, who finished with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals, hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:30 minutes remaining and pulled off a crucial steal right after as the Gin Kings won two in a row for a 2-1 card.

The Batang Pier had plenty of chances to knot the score, but missed their last 4 shots, including 3 straight three-point attempts that would have forged overtime.

Ginebra’s stifling defense was in full display in the final 36 seconds as NorthPort failed to get an open look, with Garvo Lanete and Sean Anthony missing back-to-back triples. 

Prince Ibeh managed to haul down another offensive rebound but Anthony missed another trey as time expired. 

Greg Slaughter chipped in 16 points and 4 rebounds for the Gin Kings, while Scottie Thompson chalked up 11 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. 

Mo Tautuaa led NorthPort, which dropped to 3-1, with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Anthony delivered 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals in the second game of the Petron Blaze Saturday Special. 

Ibeh was limited to just 8 points in the loss but made up for it with 24 rebounds and 5 blocks. 

The Scores

Ginebra 73 – Brownlee 32, Slaughter 16, Thompson 11, Mercado 6, Aguilar 3, Ferrer 3, Mariano 2, Devance 0, Tenorio 0, Teodoro 0.

NorthPort 70 – Tautuaa 15, Anthony 14, Grey 9, Lanete 8, Ibeh 8, Pringle 7, Bolick 5, Elorde 4, Flores 0, Gabayni 0.

Quarters: 13-14, 38-31, 55-54, 73-70.

– Rappler.com