Brownlee scores 44 as Ginebra takes 2-1 lead vs Rain or Shine

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters ran out of steam late, allowing Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to post a 75-72 victory on Saturday and take a 2-1 series lead in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup best-of-five semifinals.

Justin Brownlee carried Ginebra with 44 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, and five steals.

He got little help from the rest of the squad, as only LA Tenorio scored in double figures with a low 4 of 14 clip. Scottie Thompson, Jeff Chan, and Joe Devance combined for a 2 of 22 clip, with Ginebra’s bench scoring a combined eight points.

The two teams shot poorly, with Ginebra registering a 34% clip while Rain or Shine struggled for just 27%.

Ginebra led from start to finish, stretching their advantage to as many as 25 points in the second period.

The Gin Kings were ahead by 11 points heading into the final 2:42, before Rain or Shine ignited a 9-0 run to cut the lead to two with nine seconds remaining.

Off a timeout, Rain or Shine opted to foul LA Tenorio quickly to stop the clock, and the veteran pointguard only managed a split from the line, leaving the Elasto Painters a chance to tie the game.

Coach Caloy Garcia then sent in James Yap and Chris Tiu for three-point options, but Yap missed his try with two seconds to go, allowing Ginebra to escape with the victory.

Reggie Johnson paced Rain or Shine with just 13 points off a low 29 percent average from the field, but the import collected 22 big rebounds for his squad. Raymond Almazan and Ed Daquioag chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively, as James Yap struggled for just nine points off a 1 of 8 shooting clip after leading the locals in Game 2. — DVM, GMA News