San Miguel overpowers Ginebra in high-scoring battle to tie semifinals series

San Miguel Beermen bounced back in emphatic fashion, defeating Barangay Ginebra, 131-121, in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory allowed the Beermen to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2, setting up an exciting race to three wins for a spot in the finals.

The Beermen had to withstand a spectacular 49-point outburst from Ginebra’s import Justin Brownlee, but their balanced offensive attack and solid interior play helped them take control of the game from the start. San Miguel led wire-to-wire, with Ginebra never tasting the lead throughout the contest.

Eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo anchored the Beermen’s dominance inside, delivering a monstrous double-double with 29 points on an ultra-efficient 12-of-15 shooting from the field, while also grabbing 16 rebounds and handing out three assists. Fajardo revealed after the game that San Miguel’s game plan centered around exploiting mismatches down low, particularly in finding him in the post or near the basket.

San Miguel’s import EJ Anosike was also in top form, contributing 27 points, while CJ Perez added 20 to fuel the Beermen’s relentless offensive barrage. Veterans Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano chipped in with 15 points apiece, and Terrence Romeo added 14 points, including a key layup in the fourth quarter that gave San Miguel a commanding 20-point lead, 122-102.

The Beermen set the tone early, finishing the first half ahead 62-56. Their lead ballooned to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter, 122-102 with less than six minutes left in the game.

However, Ginebra, led by Brownlee’s heroic performance, mounted a late rally. Scottie Thompson drained a four-point play with 1:07 remaining, trimming the deficit to just 10 points, 127-117. But Anosike answered right back with a clutch three-pointer that sealed the deal for San Miguel, dashing any hopes of a Ginebra comeback.

WATCH: Ginebra vs. San Miguel (October 16) Game 4 Highlights

Despite the Gin Kings’ efforts, which included Brownlee’s near-50-point night, Ginebra’s supporting cast couldn’t match the balanced attack of San Miguel. The Beermen’s bench and role players stepped up at crucial moments to maintain their lead and stave off Ginebra’s attempts to swing the momentum.

With the series now tied at 2-2, both teams will have an opportunity to take control when they meet again in Game 5 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Friday. The stakes are getting higher as San Miguel and Ginebra look to move one step closer to a finals berth in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.