Brownlee drops 45 as Ginebra hands Alaska first loss

Justin Brownlee was on fire again. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Two nights after a 30-20 game, Justin Brownlee came out firing again.

The six-foot-five wingman fired 45 points to lead Ginebra to a 109-101 victory over Alaska in the PBA Governors' Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Sunday night.

Despite a gallant stand, the Aces dearly missed the services of import Mike Harris down the stretch as Brownlee sizzled just as both teams poured in the points in the second half.

Harris suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter of their match-up and never returned.

Still, Alaska showed resilience, even drawing to within three, 93-96, with 3:14 to play.

That turned out to be the team's last hurrah as Brownlee went clutch with 11 straight points to help Ginebra pull away.

Brownlee just missed out on a triple-double, also tallying 11 rebounds and nine assists with one steal as the Barangay are now 2-0 up in the standings.

Scottie Thompson fell short of his own triple-double, making nine assists, eight points, and seven boards alongside one steal.

Japeth Aguilar went 9-of-12 from the field for 24 points with 10 rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Vic Manuel put up 28 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals off the bench for the Aces, who suffered their first loss of the conference after a 3-0 start.

Harris showed promises of an explosive outing, making 23 points, 19 rebound, two assists, and one steal.

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