MANILA, Philippines — To pull even with TNT, Barangay Ginebra did something that’s not been done throughout the PBA Governors’ Cup – send the defending champions tumbling to back-to-back losses.
Back in business after their All Saints’ Day breakthrough, the Gin Kings moved heaven and earth to repeat, 106-92, and force the Tropang Giga to a 2-2 standoff in the title series in front of a 16,783-strong crowd last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Brownlee, as if delivering a statement hours after losing to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the side battle for Best Import honors, fired a new series high of 34 points that went with six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
Finally finding his outside shooting touch, Brownlee went 3-of-4 from three-point territory and 2-of-4 from the extended four-point line to anchor the crowd darlings to a big follow-up to their 85-73 win in Game 3 that transformed the duel to a virtual best-of-three.
Japeth Aguilar, who placed second to San Miguel Beer’s June Mar Fajardo in the Best Player of the Conference dispute, showed up big time with 18 plus six rebounds.
Ditto Maverick Ahanmisi and Stephen Holt who matched Aguilar’s scoring output while helping out on different aspects.
Ahanmisi shot nine in the fourth as he fueled a 21-15 closeout that put the game beyond TNT’s reach. Holt, aside from hitting clutch treys and producing five steals, also led the team’s defensive efforts against Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 28 but held to four in the payoff period.
“I think the biggest key tonight, and it has been the last two games, it’s Stephen and the defense he’s been able to play,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, whose squad has now prevented TNT from getting that coveted third win twice already after its 2-0 start.
“As amazing as Rondae is, Stephen is doing an amazing job as well so this has been one of the huge keys of why we’re back in the series.”
The protagonists battle for control in Game 5 on Wednesday.