PBA: Locals put on a show as Ginebra overwhelms Star late

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel leaned on the inspired play of their veterans to defeat the Star Hotshots, 116-103, on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee had 38 points, while Japeth Aguilar accounted for 21 markers including spectacular slams. The starting backcourt of LA Tenorio and Sol Mercado also put up solid numbers, combining for 27 points. Jervy Cruz and Mark Caguioa also provided the much-needed energy for the second half comeback, scoring eight points each.

Ginebra erased an eight-point halftime lead, 58-50, before shutting down the Hotshots in the second half. Down 67-57 with seven minutes left in the third, Ginebra went on a 13-0 blast capped by an LA Tenorio triple to take the lead at the 3:55 mark.

It was all Ginebra from then on, leading by as much as 19 points after makes from Japeth Aguilar, Sol Mercado, Mark Caguioa, and Justin Brownlee.

Joel Wright tallied 31 points and 13 boards to pace the Hotshots, while PJ Simon scored 22. Mark Pingris and RR Garcia rounded up the starters in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. — BM, GMA News