MANILA – Barangay Ginebra kept its title defense hopes alive in the PBA Governors' Cup with a 104-92 quarterfinal win against TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
With the win, the Gin Kings are now halfway into completely overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage as the Tropang Giga's bid to complete the league's first two-conference grand slam hit a temporary snag that could become bigger if they lose again in the rubber match on Saturday night.
Ginebra quickly sizzled early on as the team raced to a 28-14 lead over TNT at the end of the first quarter.
But the Tropang Giga responded with a 31-point second quarter, and eventually came to within one, 70-71, entering the fourth period.
However, the Gin Kings recovered in time and pulled away for good in the final frame with a 33-point blast.
Justin Brownlee showed that he can still be worthy of winning this season's Best Import as he dropped 38 points on 17-of-27 field goals, with 12 rebounds, one assist, a steal, and three blocks for Ginebra. (PNA)
