Manila, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel clinched a crucial win in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, defeating TNT Tropang Giga 85-73 in Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. This victory keeps Ginebra alive in the best-of-seven series, now trailing TNT 2-1.
After holding a narrow 62-59 lead at the end of the third quarter, Ginebra pulled away in the final minutes, fueled by key plays from Justin Brownlee and Mav Ahanmisi, who widened the gap to 10 points. Ahanmisi’s late free throws solidified the lead, with the final score sealed by Stephen Holt.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone made a strategic change by starting veteran guard LA Tenorio, which helped extend the team’s rotation and added stability early in the game. “LA did a tremendous job leading us early… along with Scottie [Thompson], and I thought that was a real change for us that helped,” Cone said.
Brownlee recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds, adding four assists, four blocks, and a steal, while Ahanmisi contributed 16 points. Thompson added 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists, while Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt scored 10 points each.
Despite a strong performance from TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, who finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, Ginebra’s defensive efforts and balanced offense proved too strong.
Scottie Thompson highlighted the significance of the win, saying, “Sobrang laking bagay sa amin ‘tong panalong ‘to kasi kung hindi namin nakuha ‘to, our backs are against the wall coming sa Game 4.”
Scores:
- Barangay Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 18, Ahanmisi 16, Thompson 15, Aguilar 10, Holt 10, Tenorio 9, Cu 3, Abarrientos 2, Devance 2.
- TNT 73 – Hollis-Jefferson 24, Erram 12, Castro 10, Pogoy 10, Oftana 9, Khobuntin 4, Nambatac 2, Williams 2, Aurin 2.
Quarters: 20-19, 42-39, 62-59, 85-73.