Barangay Ginebra San Miguel gifted its returning fans with a stirring performance in beating NorthPort, 108-82, Friday, Dec. 17 for a 2-0 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Brownlee delivered 28 points, nine rebounds and six assists, one of many players who stood out in the Gin Kings’ win held before a live audience for the first time since capturing the 2019 Governors’ Cup crown.
Apart from the roar of the crowd, chants of “Ginebra! Ginebra!” were also heard which left coach Tim Cone to feel sentimental.
“It was so satisfying hearing that again and being a part of it,” said Cone. “It triggers to me that we’re almost back to normal when you hear that kind of stuff. I just hope we can grow it.”
What’s also normal is Ginebra’s strong start after enduring plenty of difficulties in the Philippine Cup.
With Brownlee back, the Gin Kings have now won back-to-back games to set their title-retention bid in motion.
Sophomore forward Arvin Tolentino also had a fine showing for Ginebra with 16 points spiked by four triples while Scottie Thompson put up eight points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals a day after tying the knot in a beach wedding held in Davao.
The Gin Kings led 27-14 after the first quarter and kept the big lead till the end as the Batang Pier endured the absence of injured import Cameron Forte.
NorthPort fell to 0-4 this conference, spoiling Robert Bolick’s career-high 32 points.
Ginebra fans made sure it would react every time Bolick touched the ball, another element to the atmosphere surrounding the contest.