MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee did not see his masterful effort go down the drain this time as Barangay Ginebra returned to the winning track in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup for the first time in almost a month.

Brownlee delivered a near triple-double of 23 points, 22 rebounds and 7 assists in the Gin Kings’ 93-85 triumph over the NLEX Road Warriors at the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation in Legaspi City, Albay on Saturday, June 9. 

Ginebra, which last won a PBA game last May 11, ended its 3-game skid to improve to 2-5 and keep its quarterfinals bid alive while NLEX absorbed its second straight loss for a 2-6 record. 

Greg Slaughter chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds, Japeth Aguilar finished with 13 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and two blocks and LA Tenorio added 10 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in the win. 

The Road Warriors, obviously missing the services of backcourt duo Kiefer Ravena and Kevin Alas, drew strength from Arnett Moultrie but could not pull through in the second half despite keeping it a close contest in the first two periods. 

With the game tied at 54-all midway through the 3rd quarter, Ginebra used a 21-12 spurt to head into the final frame with a 9-point lead. 

The Gin Kings’ advantage swelled to as large as 19 following 4 straight points from Brownlee before the Road Warriors tried to mount a comeback but to no avail. 

Moultrie churned out 30 points, 19 rebounds and 4 steals while Emman Monfort was the only other Road Warrior in double figures with 14 markers. 

Another loss would put NLEX on the brink of elimination of the mid-season conference, a major turnaround from the franchise’s historic semifinals finish in the Philippine Cup. 

The Scores:

Ginebra (93): Brownlee 23, Aguilar 13, Slaughter 12, Tenorio 10, Ferrer 9, Devance 8, Mercado 7, Thompson 5, Caguioa 4, Mariano 2, Cruz 0

NLEX (85): Moultrie 30, Monfort 14, Soyud 8, Quinahan 5, Miranda 5, Mallari 4, Gotladera 4, Uyloan 3, Baguio 3, Fonacier 3, Marcelo 2, Tiongson 2, Rios 2, Ighalo 0

Quarter scores: 22-16; 41-35; 75-66; 93-85

 – Rappler.com