JUSTIN Brownlee remains all over the court, but saved his best for last to deliver Ginebra a 109-101 victory over erstwhile unbeaten Alaska Sunday in the 2018 PBA Governors' Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Last conference's Best Import awardee pumped 11 of the defending champions' last 13 points on his way to 45 to lead the Gin Kings in pulling the plug on the Aces' belated fightback.
Brownlee did that while also flirting with a triple-double with 11 rebounds and nine assists to keep Ginebra on top of the standings at 2-0.
"It's nice to have Justin on your side," sighed coach Tim Cone. "Today, they just wore us out and we're running on fumes in the fourth quarter, just tried to hang on. It's only Justin who had the energy for us."
Japeth Aguilar emerged as the perfect dance partner for him, tallying 24 points and nine rebounds in the victory.
The two put on their running shoes and spearheaded the Gin Kings' 37-point rampage as they built a 73-65 cushion which they leaned on to hold off the Aces late.
Brownlee and Aguilar accounted for most of Ginebra's 20 fastbreak points as it was able to solve Alaska's press to score the win in the endgame.
Kevin Ferrer also came off the bench and shot 11 points and four rebounds, while Greg Slaughter had nine and five.
It was a tough defeat for the gallant Alaska side, which had to play the fourth quarter without import Mike Harris, who sprained his ankle at the 1:09 mark of the third frame and never came back. He finished with 23 points and 19 rebounds.
Vic Manuel did much of the heavy lifting for the Aces with his 28 points and four boards, while Chris Banchero got 21 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.
Alaska suffered its first defeat of the tourney after winning its first three games.
The scores:
GINEBRA 109 – Brownlee 45, J. Aguilar 24, Ferrer 11, Slaughter 9, Thompson 8, Chan 5, Caguioa 4, Tenorio 3, Mariano 0.
ALASKA 101 – Manuel 28, Harris 23, Banchero 21, Baclao 10, Racal 7, Enciso 5, Casio 3, Exciminiano 2, Magat 2, Teng 0.
Quarters: 20-14, 36-34, 73-65, 109-101.
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