GIN KINGS DRAW FIRST BLOOD
Justine Brownlee pulls off a massive performance to shut down the starstudded San Miguel Beermen and for Ginebra Gin Kings to take Game 1 of the finals series of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup
Justine Brownlee sent a statement to the star-studded San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup finals with an impressive 42-point performance to lead the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings to a dominant 127-99 win last Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
It was a very efficient night for Brownlee. He scored 42 points from 17 of 19 shooting, a perfect five of five from beyond the arc and also flawless from the freethrow line, hitting all three of his attempts. The 30-year-old Brownlee, who once played for the Maine Red Claws in the NBA D-League, also grabbed seven rebounds, dished out nine assists, had a steal, made two blocked shots and just had two turnovers.
Brownlee’s effectiveness was infectious to his aging teammates - Joe Devance, Mark Caguio and Joe Devance - who all stepped up offensively.
The 36-year-old Devance scored 20 points, grabbed three boards, had four assist and three steals. The 38-year-old Caguioa, whose best days are already behind him, scored 11 points in limited minutes, while the 34-year-old Mercado added 10.
Cebuano behemoth Greg Slaughter also hit double-digit scoring with 11 markers, while grabbing seven rebounds and swatting three shots.
“That was a surprise. Everybody was surprised. It’s one of those nights that we have it and they don’t have it. We fired on all cylinders, got on their heels early and didn’t let up,” said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone. “But we just stirred the beehive. They’re gonna come back big time in Game Two. They’re a veteran team. They’ve been to tougher games. They’re gonna be more forceful in the next game.” The Gin Kings, led by Brownlee, came out swinging and immediately took a comfortable lead in the opening quarter, 35-20. Ginebra was able to maintain the lead and contain Beermen star center JuneMar Fajardo and also its other stars in Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos and Alex Cabagnot.
Fajardo just had 13 points, along with 12 rebounds and a block. Ross was limited to four, Lassiter to six, Santos to eight and Cabagnot to just five coming off the bench.
Renaldo Balkaman was San Miguel’s top performer with 27 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks, while Christian Standhardinger exploded for 26 points coming off the bench.
Game 2 is tonight at the Araneta Coliseum at 6:30 p.m. /