Justin Brownlee and Ginebra beat the Meralco Bolts in the PBA Governors' Cup playoffs again, but the soft-spoken super import made sure to give his props to a longtime rival.
In the latest chapter of their epic PBA rivalry, Brgy. Ginebra finally got another one back from Meralco, taking the 3-0 series win in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
Although history favors the Gin Kings in their playoff head-to-head, the Bolts have actually won their last two encounters, both in the Philippine Cup.
But as fate led both teams to meet in the Governors’ Cup anew, the Gin Kings were again able to field the legendary Justin Brownlee.
True to his reputation, Brownlee won his fifth series against the Bolts.
[Related: Tim Cone ‘shocked’ as Gin Kings complete sweep of Bolts in PBA quarters]
The sweep was highlighted by a close Game 2 victory, where JB hit the game-winning three over longtime rival Allen Durham.
While it could be fair to say that taking on Brownlee has been a nightmare situation for Meralco, the soft-spoken Ginebra super import thinks the same also applies to him and the Gin Kings when playing the Bolts.
“They’re a nightmare for us, to be honest,” Brownlee said after Ginebra closed out Meralco with a 113-106 win in Game 3.
“A team like Meralco, it’s like you go to sleep thinking about them. You try to figure ways to handle Durham, Chris Newsome, Hodge as well,” he added.
It’s easy to view Brownlee’s history with Meralco and see only Ginebra wins.
But one has to also account that the Bolts were bringing it to the Gin Kings, requiring Brownlee to have some of his best heroic moments in the PBA.
“Over the years I know we’ve had some success and we won, but man it’s been a lot of nights where it’s been a nightmare. I got a lot of respect for them,” Brownlee said.
(With reports from Maureen Muarip/One Sports)