For two straight conferences, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel suffered playoff losses against bitter rivals Magnolia Hotshots.
First was in the 2018 Philippine Cup quarters, where they got swept in the last two games of the best-of-three series. Then came 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals, which painfully ended their two-year reign.
But now, the crowd darlings can put that all behind them. They have finally exorcised the ghosts of the past.
Wednesday evening, in Game Two of their 2019 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinal series, the Gin Kings churned out a masterful performance. They blasted the Hotshots, 106-80, to sweep their way into the semifinal stage.
“We played a whole lot better,” said Justin Brownlee, who led Ginebra with 30 points and nine boards.
“This is probably one of our better games all conference on both ends. Everybody got a good rhythm and good feel for the game.”
The conference’s reigning Best Import admitted revenge was sweet against their tormentors, whom the Barangay last beat in the 2017 Philippine Cup semis. Still, payback wasn’t the defending champs’ main goal.
“It always feels good to have some payback but we’re really just not being satisfied with that,” said the three-time PBA champion. “It’s a bigger goal. We’re trying to look at the bigger picture than just getting payback on Magnolia.
“But they are a really good team, and it feels good to beat a good team like them.”
Now, the Barangay have their sights set on the semis, where they could face either the Alaska Aces or the top-seeded TNT KaTropa in a best-of-five series. For Brownlee, both teams would be a tough match-up for the Barangay.
“Either way it’s going to be tough,” said the American cager. “I think the good thing about it is both of those teams are a little bit similar to Magnolia. They got quick guards and like to pressure. I think this was a good test for us.
“But whichever team we play, it’s gonna be tougher, and we just gotta expect that.”
