As Justin Brownlee and Ginebra target to regain the throne in the PBA Governors' Cup, they must once again go through a familiar foe in the San Miguel Beermen.
Barangay Ginebra is gearing up for a star-studded semifinal showdown against the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.
After finishing as the no. 3 seed in Group B with a 6-4 record, Ginebra swept Meralco 3-0 in the quarterfinals, setting the stage for a best-of-7 clash with another one of their long-time rivals.
[Related: Ginebra, San Miguel meet in star-studded Governors' Cup semis | PBA schedule]
Despite a loss to open the season, Ginebra’s first win was of spectacular start, with Justin Brownlee delivering a career-high 51 points in a close decision against none other than San Miguel.
Brownlee, the centerpiece of Ginebra’s success in the last decade, has been a constant thorn in San Miguel’s side, leading the Gin Kings to a 5-0 playoff record against the Beermen since 2016.
The Gin Kings have dominated the rivalry in recent playoff encounters with Brownlee, including victories over San Miguel in the 2016 Governors' Cup semifinals and the 2018 Commissioner's Cup Finals.
Ginebra also swept San Miguel, 3-0, in the last edition of the Governors' Cup semifinals.
Ginebra’s Playoff Dominance vs. San Miguel (with Justin Brownlee):
- 2016 Governors' Cup semifinals: Ginebra won, 3-2.
- 2017 Governors' Cup quarterfinals: Ginebra won, 1-0.
- 2018 Commissioner's Cup Finals: Ginebra won, 4-2.
- 2019 Governors' Cup quarterfinals: Ginebra won, 1-0.
- Season 47 Governors' Cup semifinals: Ginebra swept San Miguel, 3-0.
While San Miguel has proven capable of beating Ginebra in series when Justin Brownlee is not involved, Ginebra’s dominance in Brownlee-led playoff runs should give them the psychological edge heading into this latest showdown.
However, the Beermen did win their most recent playoff encounter earlier this year.
San Miguel’s Playoff Wins Over Ginebra (without Justin Brownlee):
- 2017 Philippine Cup Finals: San Miguel won, 4-1.
- 2018 Philippine Cup semifinals: San Miguel won, 4-1.
- Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals: San Miguel swept Ginebra, 3-0.
This season, Ginebra’s roster is even more loaded, with offseason acquisitions Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos adding firepower to an already stacked lineup.
Holt’s offensive versatility and Abarrientos’ playmaking skills complement Ginebra’s established core, which includes former MVP Scottie Thompson and veteran big man Japeth Aguilar.
With Brownlee continuing to fuel the engine, Ginebra is aiming to maintain its playoff dominance over San Miguel and secure yet another Finals berth.
Game 1 will tip off on October 9.
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[Editor's note: This article was generated by a member of the One Sports Digital team using AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]