Ginebra erases 22-point deficit, deals Terrafirma another heartbreaking loss

Defending champion Barangay Ginebra needed to erase a 22-point deficit to keep its title defense bid running in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup as they stopped Terrafirma, 112-107, on Saturday in Antipolo City.

There were heroes aplenty for Ginebra but resident import Justin Brownlee led the comeback win with 29 points, including the game-sealing free throws, to go along with 15 rebounds, seven assists, and a block.

After staring at a 63-42 hole at the half and a 68-48 deficit early in the third, Ginebra relied on guard Scottie Thompson whose nine points powered a 22-8 run as they came within just two points, 70-68.

Juami Tiongson, who had been hot all game long, ignited for back-to-back triples along with baskets from Joshua Munzon to keep Terrafirma's game lead intact by the end of the frame, 85-76.

A three-point play opportunity from Japeth Aguilar then brought Ginebra to within three, 96-93, before a pair of free throws from him gave them their first taste of the lead, 108-107, with 1:03 ticks left.

Tiongson could have saved the day for the Dyip but he missed both his charities to give Christian Standhardinger and Brownlee the chance to book the win for Ginebra.

Thompson was also instrumental with his 20 points and 13 rebounds while Standhardinger had 26 markers in the victory as Ginebra improved to 5-4 while the Dyip sank to 2-7 behind three-game losing skid.

Ginebra's win also dealt Terrafirma another heartbreaker as the wards of head coach John Cardel were just coming off a comeback loss to Alaska Aces before again falling to Meralco last Thursday.

The scores:

Ginebra 112 - Brownlee 29, Stanhardinger 26, Thompson 20,  Aguilar 19, Tenorio 8,Pinto 7, Onwubere 3,  Tolentino 0, Chan 0.

Terrafirma 97 - Tiongson 27, Munzon 23, Hester 18, Cahilig 10, Ramos 9, Go 7, Daquioag 3, Calvo 2, Camson 2.

Quarterscores: 34-20, 63-42, 85-76, 112-107.

—JMB, GMA News