Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ import Justin Brownlee during Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra import Justin Brownlee couldn’t help but marvel at San Miguel Beer’s tenacity after a thrilling overtime affair in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.
The Beermen defeated the Gin Kings, 131-125, in an OT to knot the series at one game a piece, virtually pushing the best-of-seven between the league’s two most popular teams back to square one.
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Ginebra and San Miguel refused to give an inch at the end of regulation and in overtime until Terrence Romeo exploded from downtown–scoring seven straight points in just two attempts–to give San Miguel breathing room.
READ: San Miguel overcomes Ginebra in OT thriller to tie PBA semis
“San Miguel, you have to give them credit tonight. They’re just a really good team, they’re tough and if you make mistakes, they’re a good enough team to take advantage of it,” said Brownlee at Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
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“Even if you don’t make mistakes, they’ll still make you pay. I think we can correct some things tomorrow, in film and in practice.”
Brownlee turned in another heroic performance with a double-double of 39 points–including clutch long bombs that gave Ginebra the lead late in regulation–and 15 rebounds. He also had seven assists, four steals and four blocks to match.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings’ import Justin Brownlee during Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against San Miguel Beermen. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
With overtime in effect, Brownlee played over 50 minutes of action and still shot an efficient 50 percent clip.
But all his numbers were for naught as the Beermen bounced back from the sound beating they got in Game 1, figuring out how to control the tempo of the game and exploit the Gin Kings’ weaknesses.
READ: PBA: ‘Ready’ Terrence Romeo delivers in the clutch for San Miguel
“You just can’t make no mistakes against this team. We gave up offensive rebounds and a lot of those along with second chance points,” said Brownlee.
“We felt like we could have won this game. Unfortunately, we didn’t but we’re still very confident about what we can do in this series.”
San Miguel massively outworked Ginebra on the boards, snagging 62 rebounds compared to 49.
WATCH: Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee after losing Game 2 to San Miguel Beer. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/D7JIZIa5J8
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 11, 2024
Of those rebounds, 24 were offensive boards that the Beermen managed to turn into 27 whopping second chance points.
Despite the loss, the longtime Ginebra import believes can happen with the series being pushed to a virtual best-of-five series.
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“We’re still in the series. Obviously, it ain’t over, it’s tied up right now so I just have to remain positive,” Brownlee said.
Brownlee and the Gin Kings look to take the 2-1 lead over the Beermen on Sunday for Game 3 in Dasmariñas, Cavite.