Despite visibly limping and showing signs of exhaustion, Justin Brownlee dug deep into his reserves and delivered crucial plays in the final moments to lead Barangay Ginebra to an 84-71 victory over TNT Tropang Giga in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup Finals on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Brownlee, who had struggled throughout the Finals, came alive when it mattered most. With just over six minutes remaining, he hit his first three-pointer of the series, sparking a game-changing 16-3 run that brought Ginebra closer to closing the series gap at 1-2.
As the game entered its final stages, the Kings ramped up their defense, with Brownlee playing a key role. He made two pivotal blocks—first swatting a three-point attempt by Calvin Oftana, followed by a critical rejection of a layup attempt by Glenn Khobuntin.
Brownlee finished with a double-double, contributing 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, along with a steal. While he took a backseat in scoring, Maverick Ahanmisi stepped up to the challenge, adding 15 points, including a timely layup at the shot clock buzzer that extended Ginebra’s lead to 79-69 with 1:32 left on the clock.
Scottie Thompson also provided valuable contributions with 15 points, while Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar chipped in with 10 points apiece and combined for 13 rebounds.
On the other side, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson played the entire game for the second straight match, finishing with an all-around performance of 24 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists, four steals, and a block. Despite his efforts, TNT struggled to capitalize on their chances, allowing Ginebra to maintain control.
Poi Erram added 12 points for the Tropang Giga, while Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy each finished with 10 points.
With the win, Ginebra reduced their series deficit to 1-2, setting the stage for a crucial Game 4 on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Big Dome.
