Ginebra cripples TNT in endgame to take pivotal PBA Comm's Cup Finals lead

Another sensational performance from Justin Brownlee despite his broken hand. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--Ginebra brought out a tremendous defensive effort in the end to beat TNT, 73-66, in Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Sunday night in front of 12,447 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings held the Tropang Giga to only 21 points in the second half, but none was bigger than keeping the PLDT franchise scoreless in the last 4:25 of the game while scoring eight straight points to pull away.

Justin Brownlee exploded in the second half, scoring 16 of his 18 points in the last 24 minutes including a floater during the game-ending 8-0 run while also grabbing 14 rebounds, five assists, and one steal to lead Ginebra, now 3-2 up in the best-of-seven series.

Scottie Thompson added 16 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac each scored 19 points with the former also grabbing 12 boards for TNT.

The Gin Kings can close out the series in Game 6 on Wednesday night at "The Big Dome."

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