Justin Brownlee fires 49, Ginebra routs Magnolia

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MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra rode Justin Brownlee’s all-game brilliance to turn back Magnolia, 102-81, and secure a spot PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs Sunday night at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

“I was really amazed at Magnolia’s energy. It was a little scary there in the beginning,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said, referring to a 10-0 by their foes Hotshots that opened the game.

“But we got a better tempo which we worked more efficiently with,” he added, referring to the turnaround in the third period.

The reigning conference champions moved to fourth place with a 6-4 record.

Brownlee improved his career-best records in the league, scoring 49 and pulling down 20 rebounds in a contest that also saw a sterling performance from Japeth Aguilar, who finished with 18 points.

Brownlee’s performance was so astounding that Cone, a disciple of the triangle offense, even compared him to basketball legend Michael Jordan

“If that’s not an MJ performance tonight? All of MJ game I’ve seen through the years—every Bulls game, every tape at the time. That’s one of MJ’s greatest game right there. Except it’s Justin’s body doing the thing,” the Grand Slam mentor said.

Magnolia drew 34 points from reinforcement James Farr, who also registered a new career high. Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang tossed in 16 and 14, respectively in the losing stand that dealt them a 5-4 record.

The scores:

Ginebra 102 – Brownlee 49, Aguilar 18, Pringle 13, Tenorio 12, Thompson 5, Slaughter 2, Mariano 2, Caguioa 1, Caperal 0, Devance 0.

Mqgnolia 81 – Farr 34, Barroca 16, Sangalang 14, Jalalon 8, Lee 5, Brondial 4, Melton 0, Herndon 0, Pingris 0.

Quarterscores: 18-23, 46-47, 78-64, 102-81.