Barangay Ginebra San Miguel got some measure of revenge on rival San Miguel Beermen in their Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash, notching a 107-99 victory in their first meeting since the Philippine Cup finals on Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
Justin Brownlee finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks in a monster effort to lift Ginebra (6-2) which bowed to a dominant Beermen in five games during last conference’s championship series.
LA Tenorio added 20 points, six boards and eight assists as Scottie Thompson chipped in a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards. Joe Devance also had 16 markers.
With the win, Ginebra gained a quarterfinals spot.
The Gin Kings waxed hot early, with Tenorio and Devance hitting triples for their team’s 9-0 start. Using its running game which stunned San Miguel, the on-fire Ginebra squad went on to seize a commanding 31-12 advantage.
The Beermen tried to mount rallies which were repeatedly stifled by Ginebra. San Miguel’s best chance came late in the fourth frame after it launched a 14-3 run to come within just three points, 93-90, with just 2:50 left.
But Brownlee countered with a huge basket on the other end. He then drew a foul from Chris Ross who contested him in a fastbreak attempt.
The Beermen guard complained to the referees as he felt that he made a clear contest. He was then slapped with a technical, with Tenorio sinking the free throw. Brownlee then made two charities to push Ginebra’s lead further and cool off San Miguel’s run.
Charles Rhodes scored 26 points while Alex Cabagnot made 20 markers to lead San Miguel (6-2). June Mar Fajardo struggled from the field, going five-for-13 from the field but still managed to get 13 points and 14 boards.