Q4 surge lifts Ginebra past ROS to boost playoff bid

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra anew with a near-triple-double. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Ginebra waxed hot in the final quarter to take down Rain Or Shine, 104-93, to close out its PBA Governors' Cup elimination round campaign on a high note on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Gin Kings bounced back in time after the Elasto Painters looked poised to spoil their last dash to the quarterfinals with a huge third quarter blast.

The game was virtually a showcase of spurts as ROS started the game strong with a 23-20 first quarter lead only for Ginebra to drop a 30-18 second quarter for a 50-41 halftime lead.

The E-Painters erupted for 36 points in the third period to enter the fourth ahead, 77-73, but the Gin Kings unleashed a 31-16 fourth quarter storm to steal the win.

Justin Brownlee fired 25 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and three blocks for Ginebra, which finishes its elimination round stint at 6-5.

Although traditionally, six wins are enough for a team to enter the quarterfinals outright, Ginebra now has to wait on how Phoenix and NorthPort will fare against Meralco and TNT, respectively, on Friday to determine if they are in.

Christian Standhardinger added 20 points, six rebounds, and one assist off the bench.

Scottie Thompson had his own double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Jeff Chan also made 15 markers on four triples.

Henry Walker put up 34 markers and eight boards to lead also-ran ROS, which finishes its stint in the season-ending conference at 3-8.

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