MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra moved on the cusp of a return trip to the finals of PBA Governors’ Cup after a 104-94 win over NLEX at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, March 25.

Justin Brownlee once again led the way with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks as the Gin Kings overcame a double-digit deficit anew to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five semifinals.

Ginebra also drew prolific performances from its locals, particularly John Pinto, who keyed their comeback from an 11-point hole in the second quarter with a string of big shots.

The Road Warriors enjoyed a 37-26 lead in the second quarter before Pinto scored all of his 10 points in a tide-turning 23-10 run as the Gin Kings nailed a 49-47 lead.

With Brownlee and Pinto at the forefront of their attack, Ginebra ended the first half up 55-49 and never trailed again for the rest of the game.

Scottie Thompson then poured in 8 of his 17 points in the third quarter as the Gin Kings outscored NLEX 27-17 to go into the final salvo sitting on a comfortable 82-66 cushion.

“That was something we could not do early in the conference – we’re playing the third quarter very badly. It is something we talked about we’re trying to correct,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

“We’ve been doing a better job of it, guys taking a better focus at halftime. And the stakes are much higher, you got to come out.”

Thompson finished with another double-double after grabbing 12 rebounds on top of 3 assists, while LA Tenorio chimed in 15 points and 7 assists.

Christian Standhardinger netted 17 points and 11 rebounds in the win, but most importantly, played a key role in forcing NLEX import Cameron Clark to foul out.

Tallying 15 points and 5 rebounds, Clark left the game with six minutes left after fouling out, with his last two fouls coming against Standhardinger.

Despite Clark exiting, the Road Warriors made a last-ditch attempt to rally behind rookie Matt Nieto, who topscored in the loss with 19 points.

A Nieto and-one play shaved the NLEX deficit to 8 points with less than four minutes remaining, 88-96, but Thompson and Tenorio sank back-to-back three-pointers to seal the win for the Gin Kings.

The Scores

Barangay Ginebra 104 – Brownlee 32, Thompson 17, Standhardinger 17, Tenorio 15, Pinto 10, Devance 7, Tolentino 6, Caperal 0, Ayaay 0.

NLEX 94 – Nieto 19, Clark 15, Chua 12, Alas 12, Rosales 10, Trollano 10, Quiñahan 8, Semerad 3, Ighalo 3, Paniamogan 2, Varilla 0.

Quarters: 24-27, 55-49, 82-66, 104-94. 

– Rappler.com