Justin Brownlee converted the game-winning three-point play with seven seconds remaining to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a hard-fought 103-102 win over the Alaska Aces in a thrilling Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup Sunday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
With Ginebra down by two points, Brownlee attacked the basket and scored a tough and-one to give Ginebra (5-1) its fifth straight win.
Brownlee finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, three steals and four blocks in an all-around game for the Gin Kings. He poured in 16 of his scoring output in the third quarter where Ginebra pulled away.
The Ginebra hero scored 10 points in the first four minutes of the second half to spark a 15-3 run by Ginebra that gave them a commanding 72-59 advantage.
But Alaska came back in the fourth quarter, mounting a 15-5 attack to tie the game at 94-all.
The Aces had led 101-95 win with three minutes remaining but Joe Devance and Kevin Ferrer combined for five straight points for Ginebra. After miscues by both teams, Chris Banchero sank a split from the line with 19 seconds left.
Without any timeout left, Ginebra had no choice but to play the remaining seconds, with Brownlee delivering his clutch play.
Alaska had a chance to snatch the win, but JVee Casio’s triple fell short at the buzzer.
Scottie Thompson finished with a double-double of 11 points, 11 rebounds and six dimes for Ginebra. Joe Devance (12 points), LA Tenorio (11) and Mark Caguioa (10) also contributed.
Import Cory Jefferson made 25 points and 18 rebounds to lead Alaska (4-3) which fell to its third straight loss.