Wary of Meralco comeback, Justin Brownlee eager to finish off series

Ginebra import Justin Brownlee soars for a dunk. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee isn’t the one to look ahead even if his team is one win away from the PBA Governors’ Cup championship.

The Gin Kings are looking every bit of a conqueror against the hapless Meralco reinforced by a  94-72 whipping of the Bolts for a whopping 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven race.

The Bolts, who have lost twice in a row to Ginebra in the same conference, seemed to have given in to the immense pressure from Ginebra but Brownlee is not easing up one bit.

“To be honest, I can’t tell. I’m not even paying attention to [Meralco’s body language],” said Brownlee.

“I’m still looking at them like a dangerous team, and they probably lost some confidence but I think a turnaround come Friday [Game 5] and they’re going to be confident in what they can do to try and force this into a Game 7.”

Nevertheless, Brownlee wants this series to be over with and lead the Gin Kings to their third Governors’ Cup in four years and his fourth as a PBA import.

“I’m super motivated, ever since we lost in this conference last year,” said Brownlee, who missed out on a 5×5 stat line with 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, five steals, and four blocks.

“We definitely want to end this on Friday and not allow them to get any kind of rhythm or any momentum.”

As for missing out on the Best Import award this conference, Brownlee said his rival Allen Durham, who won his third, fully deserved the award.

“It would have been great to win it but Allen, after everything he’s done, deserved it,” said Brownlee, who has been named the Best import in the Commissioner’s Cup.

“Every time he’s here in the Philippines he’s elevated this team and have them playing great basketball.”

“His team’s playing at the highest level so I think he deserves it. He fought for what he deserved.”