Barangay Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Even without star forward Japeth Aguilar, Barangay Ginebra still proved a formidable lot for NLEX, taking a 104-94 Game 2 semifinals victory Friday at Mall of Asia Arena, as the defending champions moved closer at booking a return trip to a PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson played with sustained brilliance, powering a breakaway in the middle two quarters that ultimately gave the crowd darlings a commanding control of their race-to-three contest with the Road Warriors.
Tenorio to a cutting Brownlee #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/OAxFcNFDR6
— PBA (@pbaconnect) March 25, 2022
“We’re getting better at (our third quarter performances). The guys are just getting more focused at half time. The stakes are much higher, you got to come out,” said head coach Tim Cone, whose charges can wrap things up this Sunday, also at the Pasay City arena.
Brownlee topscored with 32 points, as Thompson tallied 17 and pulled down 12 rebounds—his seventh double-double outing thus far.
Matt Nieto led the way for NLEX with 15 points, while Cameron Clark, Justin Chua and Kevin Alas tossed in double digit scores for the Road Warriors who will now have to climb out a perilous spot.
The Scores
Barangay Ginebra 104 – Brownlee 32, Thompson 17, Standhardinger 17, Tenorio 15, Pinto 10, Devance 7, Tolentino 6, Caperal 0, Ayaay 0.
NLEX 94 – Nieto 19, Clark 15, Chua 12, Alas 12, Rosales 10, Trollano 10, Quiñahan 8, Semerad 3, Ighalo 3, Paniamogan 2, Varilla 0.
Quarters: 24-27, 55-49, 82-66, 104-94.