A slam dunk highlighted Japeth Aguilar's best performance so far in the PBA Governors' Cup. PBA Images |
MANILA--Ginebra started strong and finished even stronger to keep its title defense hopes alive in the PBA Governors' Cup with a 104-92 quarterfinal win against TNT on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
With the win, the Gin Kings are now halfway into completely overcoming a twice-to-beat disadvantage as the Tropang Giga's bid to complete the league's first two-conference grand slam hit a temporary snag that could become bigger if they lose again in the rubber match on Saturday night.
Ginebra quickly sizzled early on as the team raced to a 28-14 lead over TNT at the end of the first quarter.
But the Tropang Giga responded with a 31-point second quarter, and they eventually came to within one, 70-71, entering the fourth quarter.
The Gin Kings recovered in time and pulled away for good in the final frame with a 33-point blast.
Justin Brownlee showed that he can still be worthy of winning this season's Best Import as he dropped 38 points on 17-for-27 field goals, 12 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and three blocks for Ginebra.
Scottie Thompson added 23 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, and two blocks, while Japeth Aguilar chipped in 21 markers, seven boards, and one swat.
Aaron Fuller put up 22 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, one steal, and three blocks, while Troy Rosario added 20 points, five rebounds, and one steal off the bench for TNT.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno