MANILA, Philippines — Scottie Thompson and Justin Brownlee led a pivotal third quarter offensive while RJ Abarrientos struck hard in the fourth to lead Barangay Ginebra to a 103-98 and seize a 2-1 series lead in their PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the crowd of over 13,000, predominantly Ginebra supporters cheering on, Thompson and Brownlee combined for 22 of the Gin Kings’ 28 third quarter points that enabled them to grab a 77-68 lead.
Ginebra trailed by 13 points in the opening period as Andrei Caracut got off to a hot start that saw him knock down five triples.
But the playoff-hardened Gin Kings hardly were unfazed after making their own counter offensive in the second half.
Thompson went on to finish with 25 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while going 5-of-8 from downtown.
Brownlee had a near triple-double output of 25 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, while Abarrientos and Stephen Holt chipped in 17 and 11.
The loss put to waste import Jaylen Johnson’s strong effort as he finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds and eight rebounds.
Caelan Tiongson who missed the first two games of the series, also scored 23 while Adrian Nocum had 17.
Caracut finished with 15 points, but went scoreless the rest of the way.
