Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured a quarterfinals berth after surviving Rain or Shine, 104-93, before 6,502 fans Sunday, March 6 in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jeff Chan rediscovered his old form as he fired 15 points behind several crucial threes while import Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson delivered late as the Gin Kings ended the eliminations with a 6-5 record.
But Ginebra had to overcome a tough Rain or Shine squad which rallied in the third to even take the lead before finding ways to turn things around.
“It was the first time that we've been able to grind out a win this whole conference,” said coach Tim Cone. “We're relying on our defense more than our offense, so I'm really proud of our guys for really grinding it out.”
Now Ginebra awaits its fate for the quarterfinals with the eliminations down the two playdates and four games.
Ginebra is a long shot at securing a twice-to-beat advantage, but can slide to No. 8 depending on the results of the remaining matches.
The Gin Kings are looking at getting their top form back, regardless of the opponent and the situation.
Import Justin Brownlee had 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three blocks while Thompson added 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Chan made four triples, the last tying the score at 89-all after Rain or Shine earlier led 89-83.
Ginebra added eight more points behind Brownlee and Thompson to pull away from a frustrated ROS squad that fell short of ending the season with an upset win.
Import Henry Walker scored 34 points before getting tossed with a second technical for continuous complaining as the Elasto Painters wrapped up the conference at 3-8.
The scores:
GINEBRA 104 — Brownlee 25, Standhardinger 20, Thompson 15, Chan 15, J. Aguilar 10, Tenorio 9, Pinto 6, Onwubere 4, Tolentino 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 93 — Walker 34, Caracut 12, Belga 12, Mocon 8, Borboran 7, Ponferada 7, Nieto 5, Nambatac 4, Guinto 2, Norwood 2, Jackson 0, Asistio 0, Torres 0.
Quarters: 20-23, 50-41, 73-77, 104-93.