PBA: Brownlee drops 41 as Barangay Ginebra takes 2-1 Finals lead vs TNT

Justin Brownlee erupted for 41 points as Barangay Ginebra cruised past TNT, 116-102, in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Brownlee shot an efficient 16-of-21 from the field to power the Gin Kings to a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven finals series. He also contributed seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.

Barangay Ginebra came out firing, overwhelming TNT with a 35-16 first-quarter advantage before extending its lead to 59-42 at halftime.

The Tropang 5G attempted to mount a comeback in the second half and trimmed the deficit to seven points, 96-89, with less than six minutes remaining in the final frame.

However, RJ Abarrientos quickly halted TNT's momentum with a four-point shot that restored Ginebra's double-digit cushion. The Gin Kings maintained control the rest of the way to secure the victory.

Brownlee received ample support from Stephen Holt, who finished with 23 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

The loss overshadowed a stellar performance from Chris McCullough, who poured in 44 points along with 13 rebounds and four assists for TNT. RR Pogoy added 28 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the defeat.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 116 – Brownlee 41, Holt 23, Thompson 17, Abarrientos 15, J.Aguilar 11, Rosario 9, Cu 0, Gray 0, Go 0.

TNT 102 – McCullough 44, Pogoy 28, Heading 11, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Ferrer 4, Oftana 2, Quitevis 2, Castro 2, Nambatac 0, Galinato 0, Williams 0, Khobuntin 0.

Quarters: 35-16, 59-42, 85-68, 116-102.

—JKC, GMA News