PBA: Pringle, Brownlee lead as Ginebra turns back Alaska

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra leaned on a balanced attack of its bevy cast of stars to topple a retooled Alaska, 118-106, in the nightcap of PBA Commissioner’s Cup action at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night.

“We do have a lot of weapons. Justin (Brownlee) isn’t our only weapon. I think time will figure it out how best [to use them],” said coach Tim Cone, whose charges bounced back from a 111-103 beating at the hands of Phoenix last Friday.

Brownlee, who finished the affair with 27 points, indeed had better help this time out, with Stanley Pringle scoring the same. LA Tenorio, who keyed the pull-away in the stretch, joined Japeth Aguilar in tossing in 22 each.

Alaska turned to Chris Banchero’s career-best 29 points and the debut of old reliable Diamon Simpson who added 22 for both scores and rebounds in the losing stand.

The two squads figured in a nip-and-tuck affair before the defending champions went on the offensive with much more intensity.

Tenorio joined Pringle in that attack to push the Gin Kings to a 5-4 card and add to the Aces’ woes that have now spanned for three outings.

Up next for Ginebra is Magnolia, which it takes on next Sunday also at the Big Dome.

Alaska, meanwhile, hopes to put a halt to its losing skid when it goes up against Rain or Shine on Saturday at MOA Arena in Pasay.

The scores:

Ginebra 118 – Brownlee 27, Pringle 27, Tenorio 22, Aguilar 22, Devance 7, Thompson 6, Slaughter 4, Mariano 3, Caperal 0.

Alaska 106 – Banchero 29, Simpson 22, Manuel 18, Casio 9, Thoss 7, Teng 7, Enciso 6, Racal 3, Cruz 3, Exciminiano 2, Pascual 0, Ayaay 0.

Quarterscores: 34-32, 57-52, 88-80, 118-106