Barangay Ginebra downs Rain or Shine to open title defense bid

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel opened its title defense bid in the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup by taking down the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, 116-108, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After trailing 50-45 at the end of the first half, Rain or Shine claimed the lead early in the third period and led by as much as nine, 81-72, with less than a minute left in the said frame.

However, Ginebra made an 8-0 run to end the third quarter with just a one-point deficit.

The defending champs started to pull away early in the fourth period after an 11-0 run gave them enough cushion, 101-93, with 6:02 left, and they eventually took control of the match.

Justin Brownlee posted 29 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar made 18 points. Scottie Thompson tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, while Jamie Malonzo and Stanley Pringle chipped in 14 points apiece.

Rain or Shine import Michael Qualls had 23 points, while Beau Belga listed 21 points. Rey Nambatac made 18 points, while James Yap added 11 of his own in the Elastopainters' fourth straight loss.

Ginebra will play the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday while Rain or Shine will take on Blackwater Bossing on Sunday.

The scores:

Ginebra 116 – Brownlee 29, J.Aguilar 18, Thompson 15, Pringle 14, Malonzo 14, Pinto 12, Gray 7, Standhardinger 4, Tenorio 3, Mariano 0.

Rain or Shine 108 – Qualls 23, Belga 21, Namabatac 18, Yap 11, Santillan 7, Torres 7, Mamuyac 6, Borboran 5, Asistio 4, Demusis 4, Norwood 2, Ponferrada 0.

Quarters: 28-21, 50-45, 80-81, 116-108.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News