Justin Brownlee returns as Barangay Ginebra evens PBA Finals series vs TNT

After making an early exit in Game 3 due to an injury, Justin Brownlee returned and starred anew as Barangay Ginebra took down TNT, 95-78, on Friday in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

With the win, the best-of-seven series is now tied at 2-2.

Brownlee, whose status was doubtful hours before the game because of his dislocated thumb, started for Barangay Ginebra and immediately made impact. The Ginebra resident import made his first basket at the 7:35 mark to give his squad a 14-7 lead before the first period ended in their favor, 31-21.

With Brownlee back, it seemed like Barangay Ginebra also found its confidence with the likes of Jamie Malonzo, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson also having a good performance. 

Early in the fourth period, Barangay Ginebra led 74-67 after a Thompson basket but TNT tried to catch up and 5-0 run to inch closer. Malonzo and Rey Nambatac traded baskets before Aguilar put Ginebra at 78. 

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who was named Best Import just moments before the game started, tried to make things happen for TNT as he put the Tropang Giga to within two points. 

Barangay Ginebra, however, had other plans.

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Malonzo's freebies off Poy Erram's sixth foul started Ginebra's 11-0 rally which were highlighted by the former's triple and a jumper from Ahanmisi at the 2:29 mark. Nambatac stopped the bleeding for TNT, but Ahanmisi drilled a trey to widen the gap.

Malonzo then sealed the victory with his sixth triple to cap as well his 24-point outing.

Brownlee exemplified his 'Never Say Die' spirit with 23 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Aguilar and Stephen Holt added 18 and 12 points, respectively.

"He's not only just a great player, but he's such a warrior," Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said about Brownlee.

"I didn't think he had any chance at all to play tonight. And he not only played, but he played like this."

Brownlee said his situation is tough, but he really wanted to help the team.

"I just wanted to go out there and just be there for the team and just try to get a win," said the Ginebra import.

Calvin Oftana, meanwhile, led TNT with 17 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a block, as RR Pogoy chipped in 16 points. RHJ was limited to 14 points but had 12 boards, five assists, and a block.

Game 5 of the series will be played on Sunday.

Scores:

Barangay Ginebra 95 – Malonzo 24, Brownlee 23, J.Aguilar 18, Holt 12, Thompson 9, Ahanmisi 7, Abarrientos 2, Cu 0, Mariano 0, Pinto 0, Rosario 0.

TNT 78 – Oftana 17, Pogoy 16, Hollis-Jefferson 14, Nambatac 13, Williams 9, Erram 9, Aurin 0, Khobuntin 0, Razon 0, Heruela 0, Ebona 0.

Quarters: 31-21, 53-49, 72-66, 95-78.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News