Deja vu as Brownlee again bails Ginebra out vs Meralco to close in on semis

MANILA, Philippines -- Death, taxes and Justin Brownlee.

Justin Brownlee saved the day once again for Barangay Ginebra, sinking a game-winning 3-pointer to push the Gin Kings to within a win from the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals over the Meralco Bolts, 104-103, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday.

In a game that is just too close to call, the beloved foreign reinforcement came up with a big defensive stop and the biggest shot of the night to cap off a night to remember.

He finished with 39 points, seven rebounds and five assists, as well as three blocks and a steal.

With Meralco holding on to a two-point lead, 103-101, and with the shot clock winding down, the Bolts went to Allen Durham.

Durham went to the paint and spun for a little daylight, but the Ginebra import blocked the shot.

He secured the rebound and danced with his longtime rival. And, with 12.4 seconds remaining, Brownlee stepped back and hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key to give the Gin Kings a one-point lead, 104-103.

This was reminiscent of the shot he took back in 2016, which he also made over the outstretched arms of Durham to give Ginebra the championship.

On the other end, Cliff Hodge tried to give Meralco the lead, but missed. Durham's last-second shot also failed to connect, securing the Gin Kings' win.

It was a game that could have gone either way, with the two squads failing to build a sizeable advantage except for an early 13 point advantage by Ginebra.

Meralco led by four, 100-96, with 2:19 remaining, before a short 5-0 blitz by Brownlee and Mav Ahanmisi put Ginebra ahead, 101-100, 39 seconds later.

An and-one play by Durham, though, gave the advantage back to the Bolts, 103-101, which set up Brownlee's game-winner.

Scottie Thompson finished with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists for Ginebra, while Ahanmisi produced 15. RJ Abarrientos and Japeth Aguilar added 11 apiece.

Durham led the way for Meralco with 39 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Newsome finished with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists for Meralco.

The Gin Kings will try to close out the series on Monday, 5 p.m., at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.