Gin Kings sweep Bolts, advance to semis

Scottie Thompson rose above Allen Durham to snag a pivotal rebound in the closing minutes, then elegantly pulled up for a challenging fadeaway jumper. Just moments later, it was Japeth Aguilar crashing the boards for a rebound and a decisive putback.

Although Barangay Ginebra held the series advantage, those crucial moments underscored the Kings’ determination as they swept the Meralco Bolts, 113-106, in Game 3 of their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday, Sept. 30.

Justin Brownlee led the scoring for Ginebra with 23 points, but it was the relentless effort of his teammates that ultimately made the difference in this series-clinching triumph.

Stephen Holt, who managed only three points in the first half, ignited in the second half, spearheading the Kings’ relentless assault that culminated in an impressive 39 points during the final quarter.

He contributed 10 of his 19 points in that critical period, complemented by four other players who also scored in double figures. Aguilar notched 19 points and pulled down eight rebounds, while RJ Abarrientos tallied 17 points, six rebounds, and six assists.

Maverick Ahanmisi added another 17 points, and Thompson chipped in 16, crucial for the Kings who had to overcome a daunting 12-point deficit in the second half.

With this victory, Ginebra continued its dominance over Meralco with Brownlee as their import, extending their unbeaten streak to six in meetings during import-laden conferences.

Durham valiantly fought for Meralco, recording an impressive double-double with 38 points and 19 rebounds, but he was a lone beacon of hope as the Kings rallied in the final moments. Unfortunately for him, this loss marked another series defeat against Brownlee and Ginebra, with the previous three encounters occurring in the Finals.

Bong Quinto contributed 19 points and Chris Newsome added 14, but their efforts fell short as the Bolts exited the conference in the quarterfinals, despite finishing the eliminations as the second seed in Group A.

The scores :

Brgy. Ginebra 113 – Brownlee 23, Holt 19, J.Aguilar 19, Abarrientos 17, Ahanmisi 17, Thompson 16, Devance 2, Cu 0, R.Aguilar 0, Pessumal 0.

Meralco 106 – Durham 38, Quinto 19, Newsome 14, Banchero 10, Hodge 10, Caram 7, Bates 4, Rios 2, Mendoza 2, Pascual 0.

Quarterscores : 28-27, 47-56, 83-72, 113-106.