Ginebra banks on Q2 turnaround to go 2-0 up vs. NLEX in PBA semis

Justin Brownlee was on fire again for the Gin Kings. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Ginebra moved to within a win from making a return to the PBA Governors' Cup Finals after drubbing NLEX, 104-94, in Game 2 of their semifinal tie at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Friday.

The Gin Kings blasted off late in the second quarter to seize control of the game from the Road Warriors en route to taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Ahead at the end of the first quarter, NLEX tried to pull away early in the second, opening the period on a 10-2 run for its largest lead at 11, 37-26.

But later in the quarter, Ginebra responded with a 14-2 run to put them up, 53-47, and then the team pulled away for good in the third quarter, outscoring NLEX, 27-17, for an 82-66 cushion.

Justin Brownlee fired 32 points alongside nine rebounds, six assists, four steals, and two blocks for the Gin Kings, who can close out the Road Warriors on Sunday night.

Scottie Thompson and Christian Standhardinger each added 17 points with 12 and 11 rebounds, respectively.

Matt Nieto scored 19 markers with two boards, three dimes, and one block for NLEX, which now needs a reverse sweep to claim its first-ever PBA finals appearance.

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