by Jonas Terrado
Defending champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back after dropping its opening game assignment, turning back the Meralco Bolts, 110-95, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Import Justin Brownlee had 27 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks, Art dela Cruz scored 16 points while Sol Mercado added 14 points, five rebounds and eight assists as the Kings won after falling behind 54-43 at the half.
Justin Brownlee of Ginebra guarded by Chris Newsome of Meralco. (PBA Images)
Coach Tim Cone decided to let assistant coach Richard del Rosario call the shots in the second half after the Kings were able to come back to take control of the contest.
Japeth Aguilar added 19 points, six rebounds and four assists for the Kings and Scottie Thompson 11 points and 10 boards.
Gani Lawal posted 38 points and 20 rebounds but Baser Amer was the only Meralco local who scored in double figures with 10.
The Bolts dropped to 1-2.
Scores:
Ginebra 110 - Brownlee 27, Aguilar 19, Dela Cruz 16, Mercado 14, Thompson 11, Slaughter 8, Mariano 8, Tenorio 4, Ferrer 3, Cruz 0, Caperal 0.
Meralco 95 - Lawal 38, Amer 10, Newsome 8, Hodge 7, Salva 6, Pinto 6, Canaleta 6, De Ocampo 5, Hugnatan 4, Jackson 3, Tolomia 2, Quinto 0, Caram 0.
Quarterscores: 16-28, 43-54, 82-71, 110-95.