BATANGAS — Justin Brownlee says TNT deserves the credit for negating Ginebra’ size advantage, and he is eager to get back to work as the Kings try to regain control of their PBA Governors Cup semifinal series.
While Brownlee delivered as usual with 25 points on 10-of-20 shooting, 10 boards, two blocks and one steal, against four turnovers in 43 minutes, two local big men couldn’t.
The Texters’ defense was most evident on center Greg Slaughter, who was held to just eight points on nine attempts and committed five turnovers in almost 25 minutes after tallying 16 points on the same number of attempts and committing just two turnovers in 21 minutes in the series opener.
Ginebra forward Joe Devance, after putting up 19 points in 27 minutes in Game One, could only contribute four points in 29 minutes in Game Two.
“They just came out very physical,” Brownlee said. “Early, we didn’t match it, but I think in that second quarter, we battled them pretty good. But I think they were just very focused on the details, on how they were guarding certain players.”
The Texters, who also outrebounded the taller Gin Kings, 52-47, likewise came through on the offense end early on as they built their biggest lead at 18 points early in the second quarter.
“They just came out aggressive,” Brownlee said. “They just came out like they needed to win. We kind of countered their aggression in the second quarter, but they were just really focused, and whatever their gameplan was, they executed it very well, gave us a problem tonight.”
The same couldn’t be said of the Gin Kings, who dished out only 20 assists – above-average for some teams, but below-par for the defending champions.
“I think that’s a conference-low for us,” Brownlee said. “I think we definitely need to move the ball better. They did a good job; they were pressuring on the passing lanes, so I have to give a lot of credit to Talk ‘N Text.”
So expect the Gin Kings to come out better prepared in Game Three on Friday night at the Big Dome.
“Game Three is going to be different,” Brownlee said. “We’re definitely going to be ready.”
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