It took a Justin Brownlee buzzer beating three to down a valiant Meralco squad.
The Bolts surrendered the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals to Ginebra in six games, falling in a dramatic 91-88 heartbreaker Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Brownlee nailed a huge three-pointer from the top of the arc over the outstretched hands of Allen Durham to end the Gin Kings’ eight-year title drought. The Ginebra import finished with 31 points on a 5-of-10 shooting from threes, on top of nine rebounds and four assists. He also scored the team’s final seven points, turning back the Bolts in the clutch.
Durham missed a layup with 5.5 seconds which could have given Meralco the lead. That would prove to be costly, setting up Brownlee for the game-winner.
Finals Most Valuable Player LA Tenorio also had a sensational game, chipping in 25 markers, six dimes, and five boards, while rookie Scottie Thompson got 10.It was a difficult defeat for the Meralco squad which defied expectations and bounced back from a woeful Philippine Cup showing.
Chris Newsome topped the Bolts in the losing effort with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, while Durham had a near triple-double of 15 markers, 10 assists, and eight boards.
The Scores:
GINEBRA 91 – Brownlee 31, Tenorio 25, Thompson 10, Aguilar 7, Caguioa 6, Helterbrand 5, Ellis 4, Marcelo 3, Cruz 0, Devance 0, Mercado 0.
MERALCO 88 – Newsome 19, Durham 15, Hugnatan 12, Alapag 8, Faundo 8, Uyloan 7, Amer 6, Hodge 6, Nabong 4, Caram 3.
Quarters: 18-27, 32-45, 65-66, 91-88.