PBA: Barangay Ginebra storms back vs Phoenix behind Justin Brownlee

Barangay Ginebra staged a strong late-game rally to defeat Phoenix, 109-96, and secure its second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Phoenix held a 56-48 lead at halftime, but Ginebra responded by outscoring the Fuel Masters, 29-19, in the third quarter to take a slim 77-75 advantage heading into the final period.

Ef Escandor knocked down a triple with under nine minutes remaining to give Phoenix an 85-81 edge, but Justin Brownlee ignited a decisive 10-0 personal run, capped by a Scottie Thompson layup, to put the Gin Kings ahead, 93-85, with 6:01 left.

James Dickey III halted the run, but Brownlee answered with another basket, even as Ricci Rivero tried to keep Phoenix within striking distance.

Back-to-back triples from RJ Abarrientos and Thompson stretched Ginebra’s lead further, before Abarrientos added free throws and Stephen Holt converted a basket to make it 104-89 with 2:04 remaining—more than enough cushion for the Gin Kings to close out the game. Thompson and Abarrientos added late baskets to seal the win.

Brownlee finished with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block, while Abarrientos led the locals with 28 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Thompson contributed 17 points, while Holt added 13 as Ginebra improved to 4-2.

Dickey posted a near triple-double with 21 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists, while Ken Tuffin paced the Phoenix locals with 18 points, three rebounds, and an assist as the Fuel Masters dropped to 3-3 and absorbed their second straight loss.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 109 – Brownlee 30, Abarrientos 28, Thompson 17, Holt 13, Cu 6, Gray 4, Go 4, Rosario 3, J.Aguilar 2, Pinto 2, Estil 0, Torres 0.

Phoenix 96 – Dickey III 21, Tuffin 18, Perkins 17, Nelle 11, Rivero 9, Tio 9, Delos Santos 6, Escandor 5, Gozum 0, Santos 0.

Quarters: 26-24, 48-56, 77-75, 109-96.

—JKC, GMA News