Barangay Ginebra San Miguel just loves ending other teams’ winning streaks and putting a dent to their perfect records.
After handing PBA guest team Bay Area Dragons their first taste of defeat, the Gin Kings, behind the huge fourth quarter performance from Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson, also sent the previously undefeated Magnolia reeling to its first loss with a 103-97 decision in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Oct. 23.
Before the 12,087 fans in attendance, Brownlee took matters on his own hands once again as he dropped 10 of 26 points in the final quarter – including the huge step back jumper that put Ginebra ahead for good, 99-97, before also drilling last four points via the free throw line to put put the game to rest.
Thompson actually joined hands with Brownlee, scoring nine of his 14 points during the telling run that erased an eight-point deficit early in the final frame.
Brownlee added 14 boards and four assists while Jamie Malonzo impressed in his very first Manila Clasico with a double-double of 18 points and 14 rebounds. Christian Standhardinger was the other double-digit scorer for the team with 14.
Paul Lee paced the Hotshots with 22 points built on six triples while Nick Rakocevic added 21 points although he was visibly bothered by the Kings’ defense as he shot a poor 6-of-21 clip from the field.
Ian Sangalang had 13 points while Jerrick Ahanmisi and Jio Jalalon with 11 points apiece.