Ginebra pips Meralco to take PBA Govs' Cup QF opener

Justin Brownlee came close to a triple-double again. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

LUMBAN--Ginebra rode behind a solid nine-minute run in the end to beat Meralco, 99-92, in Game 1 of their PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Ralph Cu's go-ahead three-pointer set the tone for the Gin Kings' endgame brilliance as the Bolts, despite keeping the game close after the three, lost steam within the final seven minutes.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra, 1-0 up in their best-of-five series, with 29 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block.

Scottie Thompson added 19 points, five rebounds, five assists, and one steal.

Cliff Hodge put up 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting, five rebounds, one assist, and one block, Chris Newsome added 20 points, four rebounds, and six assists, and Allen Durham made 17 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and three steals for Meralco.

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