Rain or Shine def Brgy. Ginebra, 73-64 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup | Aug. 24, 2024]

Asian Games hero Justin Brownlee is set to make his much-anticipated return with Barangay Ginebra as they face off against a Rain or Shine team riding high on a wave of optimism following a significant legal victory for Philippine sports.

This thrilling matchup is one that the Ilocandia locals are eager to witness at the Candon City Arena in Candon, Ilocos Sur, on Saturday night.

The game, scheduled to tip off at 6 p.m., sees the Elasto Painters aiming for their second consecutive win against the Gin Kings, who are looking to launch their campaign in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup with a triumphant debut.

The E-Painters come into this contest buoyed by a commanding 110-97 victory over the Blackwater Bossing, while coach Yeng Guiao is celebrating a more profound success after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of his petition regarding Pagcor’s financial remittance to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Historically, a misinterpretation by Pagcor meant that the PSC received only five percent of Pagcor’s “net income” (equating to 2.5 percent of its gross income) since 1993, a figure that had further decreased to approximately 2.1375 percent of its gross income due to an Executive Order issued during Fidel V. Ramos’ presidency.

Guiao’s perseverance in advocating for the law has culminated in his victory just before clashing with the Gin Kings in Candon.

For Ginebra, this game marks the highly anticipated return of their longtime resident import, Brownlee.

After facing a doping issue during the recent Asian Games, Brownlee missed PBA Season 48, leading Ginebra to enlist Tony Bishop, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team to a semifinal finish in the Commissioner’s Cup.