The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel had dished out 22 assists in Game Three of the 2017 Governor’s Cup. But despite that output, import Justin Brownlee was not really sold that he and the team had moved the ball well.
“Maybe we didn’t get our ball movement like we usually did in the past couple of games,” rued the American after their 81-94 loss, referring to Games One and Two where they dished out an average of 18.5 dimes — 26 coming from Game One.
Regarding individual performances, though, the 29-year-old was clearly outplayed by Meralco Bolts import Durham. The latter produced 38 big points and 20 rebounds, while Brownlee only had 15 markers and 11 boards.
But Brownlee was the least surprised about that, as he knows Durham’s caliber.
“Not really surprised. It was almost a have to win type of situation for him,” he said, “He’s a tough player especially down low. He can get the ball down low, get the rebound and stuff like that so it actually wasn’t a surprise.”
And with Wednesday night’s result, Brownlee gave full credit to the Orangemen for a job well done.
“They had a great game, great game plan, they executed very well and some of the players that haven’t been playing for them, they stepped up big. They stepped up and played great tonight so you know I tip my hat off,” said Brownlee, who is averaging 22 points and 14.3 rebounds in the series.
“They just outplayed us tonight.”
The series is still in Ginebra’s favor, as they are still up by a game over Meralco. But with what transpired in Game Three, Brownlee thinks that a lot of work has to be done come Game Four on Friday as they aim to make it a 3-1 lead.
“We have to find a way to probably slow Allen Durham down. He had a big night. If he continues to have a big night for them it’s gonna be a lot of trouble for us. So I think that’s one of the thing that we’re gonna try to do,” opined Brownlee.
“And, try to get back on the basic principles and fundamentals, moving the ball, screening and cutting and hopefully it will work out for us.”
