Brownlee triple-double powers Gin Kings past Batang Pier

Brgy. Ginebra overcame the absence of bigs Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar and cruised past NorthPort, 115-100, Friday night in the PBA Season 47 Governors’ Cup at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

Justin Brownlee registered a triple-double output of 22 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists to go with 3 steals to power the Gin Kings to their 3rd win in 3 outings while dealing the Batang Pier their 5th defeat in as many starts. The newly naturalized Filipino shot 9-of-18 from the floor with 1-of-6 coming from downtown and 3-of-3 from the 15-foot line in 40 minutes of action.

Jamie Malonzo paced the crowd darlings with 28 points to go with 10 boards, 4 dimes and 4 rejections. He shot 10-of-17 from the floor and connected on 2-of-4 attempts from long distance.

“We’re just looking for opportunities to win games early. Anytime we can get a win at this point, it’s really big for us. We’re gonna wear down and the wins we’re getting now are really important for us,” said Brgy. Ginebra head coach Tim Cone during the post-game presser.

“We’re just trying to stay creative in our lineups and our game-planning and these guys are doing a really great job of being agile. Moving quickly on their feet and changing defenses. Switching from this to that,” added the league’s winningest mentor.

Nards Pinto had an all-important contribution of 18 points while Jeremiah Gray and Aljon Mariano chipped in 16 and 12 markers, respectively.

Debuting import Kevin Murphy, formerly on San Miguel, led NorthPort with 38 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and a block while Robert Bolick announced his return to active duty with a 30-point piece in 39 minutes of play. The sweet-shooting guard, who missed the team’s first 4 games due to contractual matters, also tallied 5 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

The Gin Kings will go for win number 4 when they clash with Manila Clasico rival Magnolia on Sunday, February 12, 6:45pm at the same venue.

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 115 – Malonzo 28, Brownlee 22, Pinto 18, Gray 16, Mariano 12, Pringle 5, Thompson 5, R.Aguilar 4, Onwubere 3, Pessumal 2, Tenorio 0, David 0.

NorthPort 100 – Murphy 38, Bolick 30, Munzon 12, Tolentino 7, Taha 4, Chan 3, Calma 2, Caperal 2, Dela Cruz 2, Ayaay 0, Salado 0, Zamar 0.

Quarterscores: 15-25, 51-50, 79-73, 115-100.