High-scoring Brownlee says defense won it for Ginebra over Magnolia

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MANILA, Philippines—The rivalry between Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra is considered as one of the fiercest in PBA history that Manila Clasico draws an allure similar to the finals.

The latest edition in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, it was Justin Brownlee who starred as he led the defending champion Gin Kings to the 102-81 victory over the Hotshots Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Ginebra’s charismatic import dropped 49 points, grabbed 20 rebounds, and dished out seven assists in a preposterous game that he just wanted to “play at his best.”

“I just want to be aggressive, I just came out there and I know it’s a big game for us,” said Brownlee whose third seeded Gin Kings clinched a spot in the quarterfinals with a6-4 record.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to clinch a spot in the playoffs and just try to defend our crown. We just wanted to come out and be aggressive and just do whatever it takes to win this game.”

Brownlee scored at least 10 points in three of the four quarters of the game, the first frame was his lowest scoring period wherein he had eight, but the 11 in the third are arguably the most important.

Magnolia led 47-46 at the half in a tightly-contested game until the Gin Kings found their groove in the third quarter outscoring the Hotshots 32-17 to take an 86-75 lead heading into the fourth.

Brownlee then, had 14 of his total points in the fourth to bury the Hotshots.

Despite the offensive outburst, Brownlee said it was Ginebra’s defense that actually decided the game.

“I think it was our team defense, we really forced Magnolia to some tough shots and forced them to their weaknesses,” said Brownlee as Ginebra limited the Hotshots to a 36-of-90 clip.