Ginebra escapes TNT's 2nd half surge, ties PBA Comm's Cup Finals

Justin Brownlee exploded for 35 points to help Ginebra force a 1-1 tie. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Ginebra survived a late dash from TNT to score a 71-70 win in their PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals Game 2 in front of 12,925 fans at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Sunday night.

Limiting the Tropang Giga to just 19 points in the first half, four in the second quarter, the Gin Kings found themselves in trouble of still falling to a 0-2 hole in the best-of-seven series after the PLDT franchise turned things around in the second half with its three-point shots falling at the right time to go up, 70-67, with 2:31 to go in the game.

However, Justin Brownlee hit a layup and later scored two free throws to put Ginebra back up with 46.9 seconds left.

The team then forced TNT to a shotclock violation, giving them the ball back with 32.5 seconds left.

Brownlee tried to close the game but missed his fallaway jumper, but Scottie Thompson grabbed the offensive rebound only to give the ball to Calvin Oftana after an errant pass.

RJ Abarrientos stripped the ball away from the slashing Oftana out of bounds, allowing the Tropang Giga to call a timeout and properly set up the game-winner with 7.1 seconds left.

However, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson nearly lost the ball due to the double team and failed to launch an attempt in time.

Brownlee put up 35 points, 11 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks to lead Ginebra, which tied the series at one game apiece.

Thompson added 16 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and one block.

Hollis-Jefferson put up 25 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for TNT but he was 6-of-23 from the field.

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