Brownlee drops 40 as Gin Kings roll past Painters

MANILA, Philippines -- Justin Brownlee exploded for 40 points to carry Ginebra past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 114-90, in their PBA Commissioner’s Cup clash Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Brownlee made 13 of his 24 shots, to go with eight rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal to help the Gin Kings return to the win column. 

The import scored 14 points in the first quarter and 13 in the third canto where the Gin Kings ran away. 

Rain or Shine, on the other hand, dropped its second straight game. Both teams are now holding similar 8-3 win-loss records. 

The game was close through the final minutes of the second quarter, as Rain or Shine trailed by one, 42-43, with two minutes to go in the frame. 

But from that point on, Ginebra unleashed 13 straight points to take a 56-42 lead in the third quarter. 

A free throw by Gian Mamuyac split from the line broke that run, but the Gin Kings continued to run rampant, taking a 73-56 lead. 

And while Rain or Shine tried to storm back, Ginebra’s offense was just too overwhelming as the lead ballooned to 26, 114-86, late. 

RJ Abarrientos tallied 23 points, 11 assists and six rebounds for the Gin Kings, while Scottie Thompson finished with 17 markers, 16 boards, four dimes, three steals and a block. Ralph Cu and Troy Rosario had 15 and 13 points, respectively, for Ginebra, which fielded just eight players. 

Jaylen Johnson paced the Elasto Painters with 16 points, 15 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal. Mamuyac chipped in 14 points while Anton Asistio had 13 off the bench.