Ginebra seizes opener in PBA quarterfinal duel over Meralco
Barangay Ginebra drew first blood in its best-of-five quarterfinals series after shutting down rival Meralco, 99-92, in the PBA Season 49 Governor’s Cup on Thursday, September 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Justin Brownlee led the win for the Gin Kings as they survived the late rally orchestrated by the Bolts, finishing with 29 points, along with 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Scottie Thompson delivered 19 markers with five boards, and fives dimes.
“It’s an interesting dynamic for us since we haven’t played Meralco this conference yet, so it’s kind of a feeling-out process," said Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
“We came out on top, but basically we just made more plays down the stretch. It could’ve gone either way.”
Japeth Aguilar chipped in 10 points with his tip-in and slam dunk performances being one of the highlights of the game, while RJ Abarrientos sank a crucial triple that placed the Gin Kings up 95-85 with less than three minutes to go.
Ginebra’s triumph also saw the return of 12-time champion Joe Devance from his two-year retirement, scoring two points in six minutes off the bench.
Cliff Hodge, meanwhile, paced the charge for the Meralco Bolts by posting 23 points to go with five rebounds and a block in the defeat, while Chris Newsome contributed 20 points, six assists, and four boards.
Import Allen Durham, in his first fourth series match up against the Gin Kings, tallied 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals.
Ginebra will aim for a commanding 2-0 lead over Meralco in their second quarterfinal duel set Saturday, September 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 99 – Brownlee 29, Thompson 19, Holt 14, J.Aguilar 10, Cu 9, Abarrientos 8, Ahanmisi 8, Devance 2, R.Aguilar 0.
MERALCO 92 – Hodge 23, Newsome 20, Durham 17, Banchero 11, Quinto 10, Caram 6, Almazan 5, Rios 0, Mendoza 0, Bates 0, Cansino 0, Jose 0.
QUARTERS: 28-24, 53-43, 73-71, 99-92.
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