Justin Brownlee erupted for 45 points to power the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s streak-busting win over erstwhile-league leaders Alaska Aces, 109-101, in the 2018 Governors’ Cup Sunday at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-4 import scored 11 of his output in the final 2:51, where he turned Ginebra’s slim three-point lead into a 107-98 cushion with over 39 seconds left. That was more than enough to end Alaska’s three-game winning streak.
Brownlee, who is looking to help Ginebra extend their hold of the Governors’ Cup throne, shot 19-of-33 from the field. He finished the match with 11 rebounds, nine assists, and a steal in the 44 minutes he saw action.
“It’s nice to have Justin on our side, no,” quipped Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
Japeth Aguilar provided ample support for the reigning Commissioner’s Cup Best Import, as he finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Kevin Ferrer logged in lengthy minutes with over 25, and produced 11 markers and four boards.
Vic Manuel led Alaska with 28 points and four rebounds in a losing effort.
The Aces actually played the entire fourth quarter without their import, as Mike Harris sat out due to an ankle injury. The 35-year-old American hurt his right ankle with over a minute left in the third quarter and struggled to get up.
Harris ended the night with 23 points and 19 rebounds.
Alaska’s loss also wasted the efforts of guard Chris Banchero. The Fil-Italian point guard posted his second double-double of the conference with 21 points and 10 assists. Noy Baclao chipped in 10 markers and six boards.
Ginebra will next face the NorthPort Batang Pier on Wednesday, September 5, still at the Big Dome. Alaska will look to return to the win column versus the Blackwater Elite on September 28, Friday, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Ginebra 109 – Brownlee 45, J. Aguilar 24, Ferrer 11, Slaughter 9, Thompson 8, Chan 5, Caguioa 4, Tenorio 3, Mariano 0.
Alaska 101 – Manuel 28, Harris 23, Banchero 21, Baclao 10, Racal 7, Enciso 5, Casio 3, Exciminiano 2, Magat 2, Teng 0.
Quartersores: 20-14, 36-34, 73-65, 109-101.
