Ginebra holds off Alaska’s comeback to make semis

MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel avoided a meltdown in the fourth period and held off the Alaska Aces, 109-104, to advance to the semifinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs on Friday, September 23, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

After leading 74-48 at one point in the third period, the unrelenting Aces rallied to cut the deficit to one, 105-104, with 31 seconds left in the game following a LaDontae Henton 3-pointer with 31 seconds left.

But after a time-out, Ginebra was able to make it a two-possession game thanks to Justin Brownlee, who banked in a tough 3-pointer, 108-104.

Calvin Abueva was then fouled shooting a 3-ball but missed all his free throws with 8 seconds remaining. Brownlee rebounded the ball, went to the line after getting fouled, split his charities, and that was enough to seal the victory.

It was the first time in the Tim Cone era that Ginebra advanced to the semis. It was also the first time in 8 conferences that the franchise will make the final 4.

The Gin Kings will take on the conference defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the next round.

Brownlee had 29 points and 11 boards to lead Ginebra while LA Tenorio produced 32 points and 6 assists.

Alaska was led by the 27 points of Henton, who also had 15 boards. – Rappler.com