Brownlee scores 45 as Ginebra routs Alaska

Justin Brownlee had 45 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists to give Barangay Ginebra a 109-101 victory against then undefeated Alaska Aces on Sunday.

Save for moments in the opening period, the Gin Kings led the whole way thanks to a high 58 percent clip from the field. Japeth Aguilar was the only other starter aside from Brownlee who scored in double figures with 24, while Kevin Ferrer paced the bench with 11 markers.

A Vic Manuel split trimmed Ginebra’s lead to just four with 2:41 remaining in the game, but back-to-back hits from Brownlee stretched the lead to eight entering the final two minutes.

Misses from Kevin Racal and Noy Baclao kept Ginebra ahead by eight in the final minute, as Brownlee and Ferrer matched Chris Banchero’s output in the dying seconds to keep Alaska at bay.

With the win, Ginebra climbed to 2-0 to tie Magnolia atop the standings. Alaska, meanwhile, now sits at 3-1.

Manuel came off the bench for 28 points in 28 minutes on the floor, while Mike Harris fired 23 with 19 rebounds. Banchero packed his stats sheet with 21 points, 10 assists, and five boards, while Baclao rounded up the Aces in double figures with 10. —KG, GMA News