It was still the so-called “rivalry at its finest” as Barangay Ginebra survived the tough battle against Star Hothots, escaping a hard-earned 105-101 victory in a cardiac Manila Clasico over time thriller of PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
Both teams, as usual, put on a classic show as they exposed a nip and tuck battle before the jam-packed crowd of over 15,000, extending their head-to-head clash into additional five minutes.
Even though struggling on the free throw line all-game long, Ginebra’s reinforcement Justin Brownlee still used clutch charities to grab the momentum in the last 39 seconds, escaping their 6th consecutive win in a tight battle against the Star to continue their winning streak.
“That’s a really quick team, they’re playing like five guards out there. Even though Ping and Rafi aren’t guards, they’re as quick as guards so it’s really a tough match-up for us,” Ginebra coach Tim Cone said. “It’s always special facing Purefoods.”
“We hung around, hung around, and basically, I felt we stole it, because they outplayed us,” he added.
Justin Brownlee spearheaded the Barangay with huge 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Greg Slaughter registered 17 markers and 10 boards.
Scottie Thompson continued to showcase his rebounding prowess and play-making ability with his impressive seven points, 10 boards, and six assists.
The Gin Kings is set to stretch their streak against the Blackwater Elite on Friday. | Tretch Melarpes – PTV
The scores:
GINEBRA 105 – Brownlee 33, Devance 17, Slaughter 17, Tenorio 13, Aguilar 12, Thompson 7, Ferrer 4, Taha 2, Mercado 0, Cruz 0.
STAR 101 – Hill 28, Lee 22, Barroca 14, Ramos 11, Sangalang 10, Reavis 10, Maliksi 4, Jalalon 2, Melton 0, Simon 0, Pingris 0.
Quarters: 21-25, 40-45, 73-70, 95-95, 105-101.
