Brownlee scores 42 points as Ginebra blows out San Miguel 127-99 to take 1-0 lead


Justin Brownlee finished with 42 points, seven rebounds and nine assists as the Barangay Ginebra blew out the San Miguel Beermen 127-99 in Game 1 of the 2018 PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals on Friday night, July 27.

The two-time champion import shot a 17-of-19 from the field including 5-of-5 from beyond the arc to help the Ginebra take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-7 series.

"He seems like that all the time," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone of his import.

"The last time Gabe (Norwood) was guarding him. Gabe is an outstanding player with his team and all the way to Gilas. But Justin’s able to put up 44. It goes to show how tough he is," the multi-titled coach added.

VIEW: Ginebra 127, San Miguel 99 Game 1 Video Highlights

Joe Devance contributed 20 points while Greg Slaughter, Mark Caguioa and Sol Mercado provided support and chipped in at least 10 points each.

Ginebra got off to a hot start behind Brownlee, who scored 18 in the first quarter.

The Gin Kings led 69-50 at halftime.


San Miguel, who fell behind by as many as 39, 119-80, in the fourth quarter, was led by reinforcement Renaldo Balkman with 27 points, 13 rebounds and four assists.

Christian Standhardinger added 26 markers in his PBA Finals debut. June Mar Fajardo had a quiet night with 13 points and 12 boards.

Game 2 is on Sunday, 6:30 pm at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores:

Ginebra 127 - Brownlee 42, Devance 20, Slaughter 11, Caguioa 11, Mercado 10, Tenorio 9, Thompson 7, Ferrer 7, Mariano 4, Chan 2, Cruz 2, J. Aguilar 2, Manuel 2.

San Miguel 99 - Balkman 27, Standhardinger 26, Fajardo 13, Santos 8, Lassiter 6, Cabagnot 5, Nabong 5, Ross 4, Lanete 3, Ganuelas-Rosser 2, Pessumal 0.

Quarter scores: 35-20, 69-50, 94-75, 127-99 | [Game Stats].