MANILA, Philippines – Nothing will break the brotherly bond built between Renaldo Balkman and Justin Brownlee. 

Balkman now has one over Brownlee after the San Miguel Beermen proved steadier in the endgame to eke out a 104-97 overtime win over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday, June 3.

That, however, will not shroud the relationship they have developed after serving as anchors in Alab Pilipinas’ championship campaign in the ASEAN Basketball League.

“I just told him, ‘Good game.’ Like I told y’all before, may the best man win. At the end of the day we won, he’s still my brother. You know what I’m saying?” said the Puerto Rican reinforcement. 

It was the first time the two imports locked horns in the PBA. And as expected, the duel was filled with fireworks.

Balkman put up a team-high 27 points to go with 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks while Brownlee displayed both of his offensive and defensive repertoire with 18 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks and 3 steals. 

Although the two put on a show, Balkman said the game was more than him and Brownlee. 

“It was two guys playing hard, two guys must win. And I came out with a win. It’s not just me and Brownlee, it’s a team game. A lot of people were saying me versus him, I didn’t see it like that,” Balkman said.

“I’m a team player, I’ll get my team involved. Same thing with him, I know he thinks the same way. If you don’t play team basketball you’ll lose.”

Balkman and the Beermen eye to make it 3 wins in a row when they face the Columbian Dyip on Wednesday, June 6, at the Araneta Coliseum. – Rappler.com