Ginebra survives Alaska to book semis ticket vs SMB

Ginebra foiled Alaska’s comeback from 20 points down, 109-104, to advance to the semifinal round of the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee unloaded a crucial three from top of the key to put a four-point distance with 9.6 seconds left, letting the Kings escape to the best-of-five semis against defending champion San Miguel.

The Kings, who held a twice-to-beat advantage, saw their 20-point lead heading into the fourth go up in smoke as the Aces came within just a point, 105-104, on a triple from LaDontae Henton.

“That’s why they’re Alaska, we’re up by 20 points and eight minutes to go and lo and behold they had their runs,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. “We knew they were coming but we just couldn’t stop it.”

Calvin Abueva had the chance to cut Ginebra’s lead to one after Japeth Aguilar fouled him following Brownlee’s three-pointer, but he missed all of his three chances from the line.

LA Tenorio, described by cone as “amazing,” finished with 32 points, six assists, and two steals to lead Ginebra while Brownlee had 29 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Henton led Alaska with 27 points, 15 boards, and three blocks while Abueva added 17 points and six rebounds.

The Aces trailed the Kings for majority of the game, but didn’t give up despite a seemingly insurmountable lead and just a quarter to go.

Down 86-66 at the end of third, Alaska slowly chipped away at the led by Abueva but just couldn’t get the job done to extend the game into a do-or-die.

The scores:
GINEBRA 109 – Tenorio 32, Brownlee 29, Mercado 14, Aguilar 12, Marcelo 7, Devance 6, Caguioa 4, Thompson 3, Cruz 2, Mariano 0, Helterbrand 0.
ALASKA 104 – Henton 27, Abueva 17, Jazul 13, Hontiveros 12, Manuel 10, Casio 9, Thoss 9, Banchero 5, Racal 2, Baclao 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.
Quarterscores: 23-23, 53-41, 86-66, 109-104