Behind furious Q4 rally, Ginebra hands Magnolia 1st defeat in PBA Comm's Cup

Justin Brownlee outplayed Nick Rakocevic to lift Ginebra past Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Magnolia's perfect start to the PBA Commissioner's Cup ended on Sunday night after Ginebra handed the squad its first loss with a 103-97 win in the latest chapter of the "Manila Clasico" in front of 12,087 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Gin Kings turned things around in the fourth quarter as they came back from 15 points down to hand the Hotshots their first loss in the conference.

Down 68-83 late in the third quarter, Ginebra outscored Magnolia, 29-10, spanning through the first seven minutes of the fourth to go up, 97-93.

The Hotshots scored four straight points to force a 97-all deadlock, but the Gin Kings ended the game with six unanswered points within the last 1:19.

Struggling in the first half, Justin Brownlee exploded for 22 of his 26 points in the final 24 minutes even as he too had 12 rebounds, four assists, and five blocks, including a late one to disrupt Nick Rakocevic's potential equalizer, to lead Ginebra, which moved up to 3-2 in the standings.

Jamie Malonzo added 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting, 14 rebounds, and two steals.

Paul Lee led Magnolia, which fell to second place at 5-1, with 22 points, three rebounds, and one steal, while Rakocevic added 21 points, 17 rebounds, six assists, and five blocks.

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