Ginebra stops streaking Star behind Brownlee’s 30 points

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee spearheaded a game-changing 19-point turnaround and it ultimately paved the way for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to come away with a 113-98 win over rivals Star Hotshots on Sunday, April 9 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Ginebra dealt Star its first loss of the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after 5 games while also improving to 2-1.

Seeing the Gin Kings trail by as much as 12, the guard-import combo sparked a rally that swiftly erased the deficit and it carried over for an 82-75 advantage entering the final frame.

While the Hotshots came out hot in the fourth, momentum had already swung permanently to the side of the Gin Kings.

Brownlee hit a game-high 30 points, 21 of which came in the second half, on top of 15 rebounds, 6 assists, two steals, and 4 blocks.

LA Tenorio scattered 21 markers while Sol Mercado contributed 15 points and 7 assists. Japeth Aguilar added 12 points and 6 rebounds as Kevin Ferrer and Thompson had 8 points each.

Thompson also collected 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists plus a block.

Star had import Tony Mitchell rattling the rim all night long with his signature slam dunks on his way to 21 points, 9 rebounds, and two blocks.

Mitchell rattles the rim once again! #ManilaClasico #PBA2017 https://t.co/84nEWjAbpo pic.twitter.com/qxRijcJZ25

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) April 9, 2017

Ginebra turnover leads to a Mitchell dunk on the break. Jalalon with the assist. Star up 49-44, 2:29 in the 2Q #PBA2017 #ManilaClasico pic.twitter.com/B0aIFN0WQG

— Rappler Sports (@RapplerSports) April 9, 2017

Allein Maliksi, whose shooting grew cold in the final frame, managed 17 points while guards Paul Lee and Jio Jalalon had 12 and 10 points, respectively.

Scores: 

Ginebra (113): Brownlee 33, Tenorio 21, Mercado 15, Aguilar 12, Thompson 8, Ferrer 8, Devance 7, Caguioa 6, Ellis 4, Marcelo 2. 

Star (98): Mitchell 22, Maliksi 17, Lee 11, Jalalon 10, Barroca 9, Ramos 7, Brondial 7, Mendoza 6, Simon 5, Reavis 4, Sangalang 0. 

Quarter scores: 26-24, 51-53, 82-75, 113-98.

– Rappler.com