MANILA – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings made its way back to the PBA Governors’ Cup finals after a 102-99 victory over the San Miguel Beermen in Game 6 of the semifinals on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Holding to a slim 99-98 lead with under two minutes in the game, Justin Brownlee knocked down a three-pointer from the top of the key to give the Gin Kings a comfortable 102-98 lead.
The Beermen managed to cut the deficit to 99-102 on a split free throw by June Mar Fajardo with under a minute left. They still have opportunities to force an extension but EJ Anosike and Jericho Cruz missed their four-point shots at the buzzer.
Maverick Ahanmisi led the way with 25 points, with 11 coming in the second quarter, while Brownlee added 22 markers as the Gin Kings wrapped up the best-of-seven series at 4-2.
Japeth Aguilar made his presence felt inside to finish with 20 points, while rookie Rhon Jhay Abarrientos and Earl Scottie Thompson ended with 16 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Gin Kings.
“Well, I told you, it took every little ounce of what we have left to win that game, it just took a long toll for all of us,” said Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone. “Am just really thankful that we do not have to go to a Game 7.”
Anosike top-scored for the Beermen with 30 points, Fajardo chipped in 22 markers, while Marcio Lassiter and Jaymar Perez ended with 16 and 13 points, respectively, in the loss.
The Gin Kings will face Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the defending champions TNT Tropang Giga in a finals rematch beginning on October 27 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Tropang Giga also made a return trip to the best-of-seven championship round following a 113-95 domination over Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 5 of their semis series last Friday./PN
BOX SCORE:
GINEBRA 102 – Ahanmisi 25, Brownlee 21, J. Aguilar 20, Abarrientos 16, Thompson 10, Cu 7, Holt 3, Mariano 0, Adamos 0.
SAN MIGUEL 99 – Anosike 30, Fajardo 22, Lassiter 16, Perez 13, Cruz 8, Trollano 8, Manuel 2, Romeo 0, Ross 0.
Quarterscores: 23-27, 46-49, 76-75, 102-99.
