Gin Kings close in on semis as Justin Brownlee drains game-winner vs Bolts

Justin Brownlee once again emerged as the hero for Barangay Ginebra, nailing a clutch game-winning 3-pointer that propelled the Gin Kings to a narrow victory over the Meralco Bolts, 104-103, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night, putting them just one win away from the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.
In a nail-biting contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Ginebra’s beloved foreign reinforcement showcased his mettle with a game-defining defensive stop followed by a spectacular shot that will be remembered for years to come.
Brownlee delivered a stellar performance, finishing the night with 39 points, seven rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and a steal.
With Meralco clinging to a slim two-point lead at 103-101 and the shot clock dwindling, the Bolts turned to Allen Durham. As Durham maneuvered into the paint, attempting to create space for a shot, Brownlee executed a remarkable block that turned the tide.
Securing the rebound, he engaged in a tense moment with his longtime adversary before stepping back with 12.4 seconds left on the clock, unleashing a 3-pointer from the top of the key that gave the Gin Kings a crucial one-point advantage, 104-103.
This moment echoed the legendary shot he made back in 2016, which also came over the outstretched arms of Durham, clinching a championship for Ginebra.
On the opposite end, Cliff Hodge sought to reclaim the lead for Meralco but came up short. Durham’s last-second attempt similarly failed to find the mark, sealing the victory for the Gin Kings.
This thrilling matchup could have swung in either direction, with both teams struggling to establish a significant lead, aside from Ginebra’s early advantage of 13 points.
Meralco momentarily held a four-point lead, 100-96, with just 2:19 left on the clock, before a quick 5-0 spurt from Brownlee and Mav Ahanmisi turned the tables, placing Ginebra ahead, 101-100, just 39 seconds later.
An and-one play by Durham briefly restored the Bolts’ lead at 103-101, setting the stage for Brownlee’s game-winning heroics.
Scottie Thompson contributed significantly for Ginebra with 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Ahanmisi added 15. RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar each chipped in with 11 points.
Durham starred for Meralco, finishing with a double-double of 39 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Newsome supported with 23 points, alongside four rebounds and three assists.
The Gin Kings will aim to close out the series on Monday at 5 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The scores:
Brgy. Ginebra 104 – Brownlee 39, Thompson 19, Ahanmisi 15, Abarrientos 11, J. Aguilar 11, Holt 6, Cu 3, Devance 0, Tenorio 0, Pinto 0, R. Aguilar 0.
Meralco 103 – Durham 39, Newsome 23, Hodge 15, Quinto 8, Bates 7, Mendoza 6, Banchero 3, Pasaol 2, Caram 0, Rios 0, Almazan 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 48-41, 79-75, 104-103.