Justin Brownlee felt glad to cross paths anew with a familiar foe in Andrew Nicholson as Ginebra and Bay Area went head-to-head, Sunday night.
The two-time Best Import disclosed that he has been following the former NBA cager’s career since figuring in some encounters with him back in college. Back then, they were still playing for two of the most esteemed programs in the States.
Brownlee played for St. John’s University while Nicholson suited up for St. Bonaventure – schools that are both based in New York.
“Oh man, it was great to see him! I’ve been following his career. Not a whole lot, but I know he was in the NBA and his stints overseas, in Asia. Been kinda fun. Great to see him,” the five-time PBA champion expressed.
Brownlee could no longer remember exactly the last time he matched up against Nicholson. Still, he could still recall how good the latter was.
“To be honest, I can’t remember. I think they beat us once, and if I’m not mistaken, we beat them. I’m not sure. But it was a good game every time we played them, and he was a beast every time we played him,” he said.
Nicholson did play well against the Kings, tallying 28 points and 12 rebounds in his first game as the guest team’s sub for Myles Powell.
However, it was Brownlee who came out triumphant in their rematch of sorts. He exploded for 46 points and 12 rebounds, powering the crowd darlings’ second-half breakaway en route to dismantling Bay Area, 111-93.
The 34-year-old said that there was motivation on their part to take down the Dragons, who were on top of the Commissioner’s Cup standings with a perfect 4-0 slate before receiving the massive beatdown.
“They were the top team in the league being 4-0. We just wanted to come out and play them hard, give them a good game, and try to focus on our defense.
“Also, just represent for the league and for the Philippines,” he added. “They’re a guest team here — they’re a great guest team, and we just wanted to try and represent our league and just try and come out and play hard.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
