Justin Brownlee added yet another championship to his stacked trophy case after Pelita Jaya ruled the 2024 Indonesia Basketball League (IBL) following a 73-65 Game 3 win over Satria Muda Pertamina in the Finals, Sunday night.
The naturalized Filipino did not have gaudy numbers with only nine points and six rebounds but that, for sure, hardly matters for him as long as they secured the championship to complete the comeback in the best-of-3 affair.
Runners-up to Prawira Harum Bandung last season, Pelita Jaya dropped the series opener last Thursday by way of an 84-71 decision, but forced a rubber match by taking Game 2 two nights later through an 82-70 victory.
There, Brownlee made his presence felt by producing 14 points, including eight in the third quarter alone, together with five rebounds.
He was, however, not able to sustain as much in the decider. But he didn’t have to worry that much, as the others delivered to clinch the crown.
Naturalized Indonesian guard Anthony Beane led the way with a full line of 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, six steals, and two blocks.
Former PBA import KJ McDaniels contributed 13 points and seven rebounds as the ex-NBA veteran won his first championship in Asia.
Forward Muhamad Arighi had 13 points as well, spiked by three triples, off the bench as Pelita Jaya won its second IBL title after seven years.
This latest victory couldn’t get any sweeter for Brownlee, who made his return to pro basketball through the IBL after serving a three-month suspension due to a doping violation he committed during the 19th Asian Games.
The 36-year-old forward finished the season with per-game averages of 13.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 29 minutes of playing time.
This IBL gold is the latest addition to his collection that currently has six PBA titles and a championship each from the ASEAN Basketball League, the Lebanese Basketball League, and the UAE National Basketball League.
Brownlee is expected to fly back to Manila soon for his much-awaited return to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the upcoming PBA Season 49.
