Brownlee explodes for career-high 54 as Ginebra moves one win away from title

Justin Brownlee delivered a monstrous performance, scoring a career-high 54 points to lead Barangay Ginebra to a thrilling 100-95 overtime victory over TNT in Game 5 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

Facing a seven-point deficit late in regulation, the Gin Kings rallied behind their veteran import, who took over when it mattered most. Brownlee poured in 22 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, sparking the comeback after TNT led 87-80 with under four minutes remaining in the fourth.

His basket gave Ginebra a 94-92 lead with 2:39 left in overtime. RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario then delivered key baskets in the final stretch as the Kings completed the turnaround and seized a 3-2 series lead.

Brownlee finished with 54 points on efficient shooting, along with 14 rebounds and 5 assists.

“As an import, you just gotta stay aggressive,” Brownlee said. “I just wanted to do my part for the team.”

Abarrientos added 13 points, Japeth Aguilar scored 12 (including a highlight-reel dunk), and Rosario contributed 10 points and 7 rebounds. The crowd of 18,039 at the Big Dome was treated to a dramatic 9-2 Ginebra run in overtime that sealed the win.

“I’m really proud of our guys. It didn’t look like it was our night, but we made it our night through grit,” said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

TNT got a heroic effort from import Chris McCullough, who posted 38 points and 16 rebounds in 51 minutes. Roger Pogoy added 23 points, but the Tropang 5G couldn’t sustain their momentum in overtime and now trail 2-3 in the series.

Ginebra can clinch the championship in Game 6 on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.