Brownlee nails buzzer-beater as Ginebra wins title, ends drought
Ginebra couldn’t have written a better ending to its eight-year crusade to the crown.
Justin Brownlee nailed a triple from top of the key as the buzzer expired and Ginebra escaped with 91-88 victory to bring home the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup championship.
It took eight agonizing years and seasons of torment but the Kings finally regained their lost glory after scraping past Meralco in six thrilling games.
Buoyed by the predominantly pro-Ginebra crowd packing the historic Big Dome to the rafters and the presence of Robert “Sonny” Jaworski, the Gin Kings found their way back from a 13-point hole in vintage Ginebra fashion.
LA Tenorio came alive in the second half and led the Kings’ third-quarter comeback.
Ginebra clinched its franchise’s ninth title but only its first since the 2008 Fiesta Conference.
Tim Cone, who is in his first season as the Gin Kings’ head coach, seized his league record 19th PBA crown.
Ginebra trailed, 2-1, before racking up three straight victories to win the closely-contested series.
Jaworski magic
Jaworski visited the Ginebra dugout at halftime and gave the players a pep talk with the Gin Kings behind by double-digits.
The 70-year-old Jaworski didn’t stay long inside the locker room but he had enough time to fire up the Kings.
Ginebra came out with much more energy and intensity in the second half and just minutes into the third quarter, the Kings were able to take their first lead of the game before settling for a 66-65 deficit entering the final frame, giving themselves the momentum they needed to close out the hard-fighting Bolts.
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