MANILA, Philippines — To familiar chants from its “Sixth Man,” at the same site of its last PBA Governors’ Cup triumph, at the expense of its old rival, Barangay Ginebra reasserted its status as king of its pet tournament.
Pumped up by the Ginebra faithful among the 20,224-strong crowd at the MOA Arena, the Gin Kings put the finishing touches to their fourth championship romp in the last five Governors’ Cup meets via a 103-92 Game 6 clincher over Meralco last night.
With a vintage performance of 30 big points, LA Tenorio bannered the heroes’ march as Ginebra sealed the winning 4-2 verdict that triggered a thunderous celebration in the largest gate turnout in the pandemic era.
Justin Brownlee fired 24, including 22 in the second half, plus 16 rebounds and six assists as Christian Standhardinger and Finals MVP Scottie Thompson contributed 19 and 15, respectively, in the closeout.
Seeded sixth in the playoffs, the Gin Kings completed their climb to the top of the season-ending tournament. They retained the crown they previously clinched in this very venue back on Jan. 17, 2020 – the last GC prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. Final score back then was 4-1.
“Nagtulungan talaga kami to get here. Marami kaming injuries (throughout the tournament), ” said Tenorio after the squad survived injuries to key players Stanley Pringle and Japeth Aguilar in winning the franchise’s 14th PBA title overall for a tie for second with Alaska and Magnolia in the all-time list behind San Miguel Beer’s 27.
Tenorio hit 11 in the payoff period to deliver the KO blow.
“Binibiro ko nga sila, save the best for last. May ibubuga pa pala ako,” he said in jest.
Hardly a factor in the first half, Brownlee erupted for 17 in the third quarter as the Gin Kings wrested a 78-73 upperhand.
It was all the momentum they needed.
Like sharks smelling blood, Tenorio and Co. went for Meralco’s jugular in a searing fourth quarter, where they led by as many as 16 at 96-80.
Ginebra got the job done in this fourth titular confrontation with Meralco by taking Games 4 to 6.
“It was a little bit shocking for us because we were so far down at one point and reached the bottom of the barrel,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, recalling the time the struggling Gin Kings were in danger of missing the playoffs.
“We have a very veteran team, a great veteran leadership and they really stepped up and showed the never-say-die spirit.”
Tony Bishop, with 21, and Aaron Black, with 18, paced Meralco, which lost to Ginebra for the fourth time in as many finals faceoffs.