MANILA — Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has become the first team to advance to the semifinals of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
Ginebra, under the guidance of coach Tim Cone, pulled off a stunning come-from-behind victory against the Meralco Bolts, 113-106, in their Game 3 quarterfinal showdown at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday night.
Down by 11 points at one stage, the Gin Kings rallied in the fourth quarter, led by the brilliance of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos.
Brownlee sparked Ginebra’s final quarter surge, hitting crucial three-pointers, while Abarrientos tied the game at 92 with a mid-range shot at the 7:30 mark.
The former FEU standout then sank an and-one to give Ginebra a 97-94 lead with 5:38 remaining.
Meralco’s Allen Durham fought hard to keep his team alive, cutting the lead to 102-98 after a three-pointer from Mav Ahanmisi had put Ginebra up 102-96.
Anjo Caram also drained a four-point play in the final minute, bringing the Bolts within one possession at 109-106. However, Stephen Holt and Scottie Thompson’s timely baskets, along with flawless free-throw shooting by Holt and Ahanmisi, sealed the deal for Ginebra, completing the series sweep.