In a thrilling semifinal clash during the PBA Governor’s Cup, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again relied on the brilliance of Justin Brownlee to secure a hard-fought 99-94 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 3. The win gave Ginebra a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series, putting them in a strong position as they look to secure another trip to the finals.
The game, held on Sunday, October 13, at the Dasmarinas City Arena, showcased why Brownlee is considered one of the best players in the history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The veteran import delivered an all-around performance with 30 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and five blocks in approximately 44 minutes of action. His ability to perform on both ends of the court, particularly on defense, was pivotal in securing the win for Ginebra.
Kabaranggay Justin Brownlee is the Arena Plus BPG. #PBAAngatAngLaban #PBAS49GovsCupSemisSMBvsGIN pic.twitter.com/jFpoSeqUXl
— PBA (@pbaconnect) October 13, 2024
Brownlee’s offensive prowess has long been established, but in this game, it was his defense that truly made the difference. His timely blocks and ability to disrupt San Miguel’s offensive flow in critical moments shifted the momentum in Barangay Ginebra’s favor. In the post-game press conference, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized that defense was the key to victory.
“We defended so much better tonight, we played playoff defense tonight. That’s the story. We just played better defense tonight, I felt,” said Cone. “We had some uncertain moments in the third quarter after halftime so thanks to Brownlee, we recovered and thanks to him, down the stretch we were able to win. Thanks to this guy and thanks to this guy,” Cone added, gesturing to Brownlee during the press conference.
San Miguel had come into the game with high hopes, particularly with their star import EJ Anosike leading the charge. Anosike was a force to be reckoned with, tallying a double-double of 32 points and 10 rebounds. However, Ginebra’s defense, led by Brownlee, held firm when it mattered most.
While Brownlee was undoubtedly the star of the show, Barangay Ginebra received significant contributions from other key players. Japeth Aguilar, another staple of Ginebra’s roster, added 22 points, while Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Aguilar’s scoring provided Ginebra with the offensive boost they needed to keep pace with San Miguel, while Ahanmisi’s hustle on the boards and timely shots helped tilt the balance in Ginebra’s favor.
San Miguel also had strong performances from their core players. Aside from Anosike’s impressive output, CJ Perez contributed 13 points, though his shooting was less efficient as he made only 13 shots. However, the biggest challenge for San Miguel came from Ginebra’s defense on their centerpiece, June Mar Fajardo. Fajardo, a record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), was limited to just 12 points, though he managed to pull down 14 rebounds.
San Miguel’s struggles to get Fajardo going offensively were a testament to Ginebra’s defensive schemes. Ginebra’s strategy revolved around limiting Fajardo’s touches and forcing San Miguel to rely on outside shooting, a plan that paid off as they stifled one of the league’s most dominant big men.
Despite his individual brilliance, Brownlee was quick to deflect praise after the game. Instead, he credited his teammates and their positive attitudes for the win.
“I have a great group of guys with incredible work ethics and even better characters. All my years with Ginebra, the character of the team has always been great. They are uplifting, motivating, and always keeping a positive vibe,” Brownlee said during the post-game interview.
Brownlee’s leadership, both on and off the court, has been instrumental in Barangay Ginebra’s sustained success over the years. His humility and emphasis on teamwork have endeared him to his teammates and fans alike, and his ability to inspire those around him continues to be a cornerstone of Ginebra’s championship aspirations.
With the 2-1 series lead in hand, Barangay Ginebra now turns its attention to Game 4, scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A win in this crucial game would put them just one victory away from clinching a spot in the Governor’s Cup finals.
However, San Miguel is not a team to be taken lightly. The Beermen have a wealth of talent and experience, and they will be eager to bounce back and level the series at 2-2. For Barangay Ginebra, maintaining their defensive intensity and continuing to rely on Brownlee’s leadership will be key to securing another win.
The stakes are high for both teams, and fans can expect another closely contested battle as these PBA powerhouses clash once again.
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