PBA: Justin Brownlee down with food poisoning, out in second half of Ginebra’s Game 5 loss
Ginebra import Justin Brownlee in Game 5 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—In a crucial Game 5 in the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals series between Ginebra and TNT, Gin Kings’ import Justin Brownlee had to miss the second half of the game due to “severe” food poisoning.
As confirmed by Ginebra coach Tim Cone, Brownlee suffered food poisoning which forced him to sit out the last two quarters of the squad’s 104-95 loss at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday that put them behind 2-3 in the best-of-seven series.
“He tried to go during the first half and did a pretty good job but by halftime, he was out. He was throwing up at halftime. He was throwing up in the bench, ” said Cone of Brownlee.
After playing the first half of the game, Brownlee was seen on the bench with a towel draped over his head before he retreated to the lockers in the third quarter.
The runner-up for Best Import of the Conference only played for 25 minutes.
WATCH: Justin Brownlee, who is dealing with food poisoining, heads back to the Barangay Ginebra locker room #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/VMnrnWGmRs
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 19, 2023
Brownlee, in limited action, still finished with 14 points, four rebounds, a steal and a block.
However, his absence in the most important half of the game led to the fizzling of the Gin Kings’ 61-49 lead at the half.
His status for Game 6 on Friday is questionable but he has not been completely ruled out.
