Locals take over late as Ginebra sweeps Meralco in PBA Govs' Cup QFs

Stephen Holt was a huge help for Justin Brownlee in Ginebra's quarterfinal clincher against Meralco. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Even if they won Game 2 on Saturday night, Ginebra coach Tim Cone thought Justin Brownlee really bailed them out as he hoped that the locals would come alive in crunch time.

Two nights later, they did.

The Gin Kings' local army took flight late in Game 3 to help complete a sweep of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals through a 113-106 Monday night win at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

While Brownlee still led Ginebra in scoring with 23 points, the last eight minutes belonged to the locals beginning with Japeth Aguilar's jumper.

The crucial moments, though, came within the final minute when Aguilar and Scottie Thompson converted their huge offensive rebounds into putbacks that opened a 109-102 lead with 28 seconds left.

Anjo Caram tried to keep Meralco in the game with a quick four-pointer with 22.1 seconds left, but free throws from Stephen Holt and Maverick Ahanmisi iced the game for Ginebra.

Holt added 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the Gin Kings, who will await the winner of another quarterfinal affair between the San Miguel Beermen and Converge FiberXers with SMB also looking to sweep its own series later in the night.

Allen Durham's 38-point explosion alongside 13 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block went down the drain as he once again ended up losing to Brownlee in a playoff series.

The Bolts will now shift their attention to their EASL campaign beginning Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

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