PBA: Ginebra dodges Terrafirma’s upset bid to seal twice-to-beat bonus

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Ginebra import Justin Brownlee. – PBA PICTURES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra held off Terrafirma’s bid to win 109-104 and become the second quarterfinalist to win the PBA Governor’s Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Justin Brownlee won the import matchup with Jordan Williams while Jamie Malonzo’s slam with 13 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Gin Kings against a Dyip side that threatened to pull off an upset before completing Season 47.

Ginebra earned a quarterfinal bonus after going 8-2 going into the All-Star break, a result they needed before taking on TNT on March 17 to complete the elimination round.

“Tonight’s game is very important for us,” coach Tim Cone said. “We really have to go out and get this because we don’t want to cheat and have to try and beat TNT. [and potentially drop out of the top four.]”

Brownlee finished with 38 points after facing Williams, whose offensive outburst kept Terrafirma in contention throughout the fourth quarter.

But Terrafirma fell apart in the end and finished the conference final season with a 2-9 record.

Christian Standhardinger, who was named Player of the Week by the PBA Press Corps, had 23 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, while Malonzo posted 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Gin Kings.

The Gin Kings took the lead for good when Nards Pinto knocked down a three to break a 102-all tie with 2:10 remaining. Eric Camson scored a putback to keep Dyip at point, which was the last basket.

Brownlee scored on Williams to make it 107-104 for Ginebra before blocking Dyip’s layup attempt on the next possession. Malonzo then put the icing on the cake with a two-handed dunk as the Gin Kings survived a scare.

Score:

GENEVA 109 – Brownlee 38, Standhardinger 23, Malonzo 16, Thompson 13, Pinto 9, Gray 7, Pringle 3.

TERRAFIRM 104 — Williams 35, Tiongson 18, Camson 11, Gomez de Liano 8, Calvo 7, Cahilig 7, Mine 7, Daquioag 3, Cabagnot 3, Ramos 3, Gabayni 2, Ferrer 0, Alolino 0.

Quarter: 26-24, 52-48, 78-79, 109-104.

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