By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel clinched another semifinal spot after demolishing the import-less NLEX Road Warriors, 127-93, in the PBA Governor’s Cup playoffs last March 19, 2023, held at the Araneta Coliseum.
After a slow start in the first 12 minutes of action, the Gin Kings suddenly turned on the jets and dominated the last three quarters to setup a highly-anticipated semifinal clash with long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen.
The Road Warriors gave their all in the opening quarter after reports surfaced minutes before the game that their import, Wayne Selden Jr., couldn’t suit up in the win-or-go-home duel because of an ankle injury.
Carrying the offensive load for the Road Warriors were Don Trollano, Kris Rosales, and Kevin Alas who helped NLEX head to the second frame with a fight after only trailing by a point, 18-17.
However, after resident super import Justin Brownlee found his footing and began to shoot well, the Gin Kings pulled off a huge offensive snowball starting at the 9:45 mark of the second quarter to end the first half with a 20-point lead.
Ginebra never looked back soon as the second half kicked off and won the last two quarters, 71-57, courtesy of their crisp ball movement that picked NLEX apart.
Brownlee once again led the charge for the Gin Kings and dropped a 31-point masterpiece in limited minutes alongside 13 rebounds, six assists, and four steals.
With another huge performance, the newly-naturalized Filipino reinforcement made another case as a strong candidate for the Best Import of the Conference award.
Also stepping up for Ginebra was the athletic small forward Jamie Malonzo who registered 20 points, six boards, five dimes, and two steals.
On the other hand, it was an unfortunate end to NLEX’s strong start in the import-laced conference after going undefeated in their first four games to start the season.
Replacing the injured Selden Jr. was veteran energy guy Sean Anthony in the starting lineup who notched 16 points to pace the Road Warriors.
Up next for the mighty Gin Kings is San Miguel who earlier crushed the Converge FiberXers despite the absence of superstar June Mar Fajardo who will be out for at least six weeks due to a torn MCL in his knee.
