Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 27) — The San Miguel Beermen saw their grand slam aspiration crumble before their very eyes.
Barangay Ginebra eliminated the Beermen, 104-84, in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup quarterfinal matchup on Wednesday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Import Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra with a game-high 37 points, while Joe Devance chipped in 17 markers.
After being locked level at 23 apiece in the opening frame, Ginebra clamped down on defense to hold San Miguel to just nine points in the second quarter.
Ginebra tacked on 22 points in the second frame to hold on to a 13-point advantage going into the halftime break.
The Beermen battled back to come within 60-51, but Ginebra managed to build their lead back up to 74-61 before the payoff period.
Ginebra continued to dominate in the final quarter, outscoring the Beermen 30-23 on the way to a comfortable victory.
San Miguel reinforcement Terrence Watson led his team with 30 points, while June Mar Fajardo posted 19 points and 22 rebounds.
After the game, Ginebra coach Tim Cone was in disbelief with the way his team played against what he considers a powerhouse San Miguel side.
“Nobody saw that one coming. We just played great from start to finish,” Cone said. “[San Miguel] struggled with their shooting all game long. It’s one of those nights for them that came at a bad time for them. But we were on our game.”
“I can’t tell you how relieved I am that we don’t have to play a knockout game with them,” Cone added.
The semis-bound Gin Kings now await the winner of the TNT KaTropa and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters quarterfinals series.
