Brownlee leads Ginebra to Game 1 victory over Meralco in PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel made a strong statement in their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series opener, defeating the Meralco Bolts 99-92 on Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Justin Brownlee was once again the catalyst for Ginebra, putting up a stellar performance with 29 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Scottie Thompson also contributed significantly with 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

The game was tightly contested, with Ginebra clinging to a narrow 84-83 lead midway through the fourth quarter. However, the Gin Kings found their groove in the closing minutes, launching an 11-2 run that broke the game wide open. Japeth Aguilar ignited the surge with a thunderous dunk, followed by key baskets from Brownlee, before RJ Abarrientos drained a crucial three-pointer to extend Ginebra’s lead to 95-85 with less than three minutes remaining.

Japeth Aguilar chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds for Ginebra, while Abarrientos’ late-game heroics capped off his night with eight points. The game also marked the return of Joe Devance, who came out of a two-year retirement to score two points in six minutes of action.

Meralco fought back valiantly, led by Cliff Hodge who scored 23 points. However, Ginebra’s depth and experience proved to be the difference in the end.

The Bolts managed to close the gap to 97-92 in the final moments, with Allen Durham capitalizing on a Ginebra turnover. However, Brownlee’s steady hands at the free-throw line iced the game for the Gin Kings, sealing the 99-92 victory.

WATCH: Meralco vs. Ginebra (September 26) Game 1 Highlights

Durham, no stranger to facing Ginebra in the playoffs, recorded 17 points and 13 rebounds but couldn’t power Meralco to the win.

With this victory, Ginebra takes a 1-0 lead in the series. Game 2 is set for Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Gin Kings will look to take a commanding 2-0 advantage.