Ginebra preserves hot start to go 2-0 vs. SMB in semis

Justin Brownlee was on fire anew for Ginebra. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

ANTIPOLO—Ginebra quickly rebuilt a huge lead they almost squandered late in the first quarter en route to a 121-103 blowout win against San Miguel in Game 2 of the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals on Sunday night at the Ynares Center here.

Seemingly playing inspired basketball, the Gin Kings raced to an 18-1 run to start the game.

The Beermen responded later in the first quarter and early into the second to cut the lead down to five, 33-28.

Ginebra pulled away from there after going on a 12-0 run later in the second before eventually extending the lead to as high as 24 early in the fourth even as they quickly withstood SMB's short rallies to inch closer.

Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings, now 2-0 up in the best-of-five series, with 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.

Christian Standhardinger also made 32 points with eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Scottie Thompson achieved a triple-double with 21 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds alongside three steals and two blocks without a turnover.

They can clinch the series with a Game 3 win on Wednesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Cameron Clark led the Beermen with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and one assist.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno