Ginebra overpowers San Miguel to draw first blood in PBA semis clash

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The well-rested Barangay Ginebra San Miguel squad proved to be too much for the San Miguel Beermen, 122-105, in Game 1 of the ongoing PBA Governor’s Cup semifinals on October 9, 2024, at the Philsports Arena.

Fresh off a 3-0 series sweep against the Meralco Bolts in the first round of the PBA Playoffs, the Gin Kings picked up where they left off and continued their post-season mastery against one of their arch-rivals in the import-laced conference.

Justin Brownlee once again delivered a performance for the ages after dropping 33 points alongside eight rebounds and five assists.

Ginebra’s resident import didn’t skip a beat and torched the Beermen from the get-go, draining long three-pointers while attacking SMB’s shaded lane at will.

However, it is his outing from the four-point territory that stole the show, converting a PBA record of five made shots from that area.

Brownlee spearheaded a huge turnaround in the third frame when he buried three four-pointers that helped the Gin Kings pull away after only leading by five points entering the second half.

After a nip-and-tuck first half, Brownlee’s stellar scoring exhibition sparked Ginebra to a commanding 24-point lead in the final two quarters that posted more problems to the inconsistent San Miguel defense.

There was just nothing that San Miguel could do once Brownlee captured his groove as he sliced and diced into the gut of the Beermen’s interior before getting subbed out in the remaining four minutes of the final canto.

Ginebra also received a gigantic outing from newcomer Stephen Holt who after struggling a couple of games against Meralco regained his stroke, ending the Game 1 victory with 30 markers eight boards, and four dimes.

Holt finished what Brownlee started and ignited another demoralizing scoring run in the fourth that forced SMB head coach Jorge Gallent to throw the white towel with still four minutes remaining in the last period.

RJ Abarrientos, Ginebra’s super rookie, sustained his fine play after contributing 13 points while former league MVP Scottie Thompson added 10 markers.