Brownlee lauds Tenorio, Aguilar for stepping up in 4th quarter of Game 1

Brgy. Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee was his usual explosive self during the first three quarters of Game 1 of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-seven Final series between the Gin Kings and the Meralco Bolts.

The well-loved American reinforcement started the final frame already with 34 points but was held scoreless from the field until the closing seconds of the match wherein he drained four clutch free throws to ice the series opener.

With Brownlee firing blanks, LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar took the cudgels as the duo scored 14 of the team’s 23 fourth quarter points to preside over the Gin Kings’ closing salvo.

“Guys just got going in the fourth and LA and Japeth just did a great job of keeping us in the game on the offensive end,” said Brownlee.

“I think that’s what’s expected of them. I think those guys continued to be aggressive and read the defenses and take the opportunities, I think they will be great all series long. Both of them have great skill sets. Japeth is very athletic, LA can drive and set the team up. That’s what they are expected for us to play well,” he added.

Brownlee, who dropped 18 points in the 3rd canto alone, credited the Bolts defense for keeping him scoreless from the field in the payoff period.

“In that fourth quarter, they did a great job of guarding me, taking away my side or my driving lanes but we still tried to move the ball. That’s what we pride ourselves on. We are moving the ball and getting everybody involved.”

Game 2 of the ‘Finals Trilogy’ is scheduled on Friday, January 10 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.