PBA: Justin Brownlee fires 51 to lead Ginebra past SMB

Justin Brownlee dropped 51 on SMB. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Justin Brownlee came alive on Tuesday night with a new PBA career-high in a 108-102 Ginebra win against San Miguel in their Governors' Cup battle at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Brownlee finished with 51 points, eclipsing the 50-piece he had in a 2019 overtime win against the Terrafirma Dyip as the Gin Kings quickly bounced back from an ugly stand in Candon against the Rain Or Shine Elasto Painters.

Not to be overlooked, though, was the clutch performance of Japeth Aguilar, who hit back-to-back baskets that sparked Ginebra's endgame attack against SMB after a 102-all deadlock.

Brownlee went 18-of-29 from the field and tallied 13 rebounds, five assists, six steals, and one block for the Gin Kings, who moved up to 1-1.

Aguilar added 21 points on 8-for-10 shooting and three rebounds.

Jordan Adams, fresh from a 50-point blast against the Blackwater Bossing, had a more conservative performance of 23 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and one steal for the Beermen, who fell to 2-1.

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