JUSTIN Brownlee put up his stuff as the good champion import that he is and Barangay Ginebra more than held its own against Bay Area, in the process ending the perfect run of the guest team.
Brownlee erupted for 46 points, including 17 in their third-quarter breakaway en route to a 111-93 smashing of the Dragons, thus spoiling the PBA debut of NBA veteran Andrew Nicholson.
The five-time PBA champ and two-time Best Import awardee waxed hot in their return from the halftime huddle, starring in a 35-18 third-quarter tear that broke the game open at 85-66 - the jump-off to their eventual dismantling of their erstwhile unbeaten foes.
Brownlee could have easily made it a 50-point showing but got the breather as they led 100-77 with a little over five minutes left to play.
But he nonetheless delighted the crowd in leading the Kings (2-1) to a second straight win while snapping the Dragons' four-game streak.
Sponsored content: Jamie Malonzo contributed 17 points, Christian Standhardinger put in a double-double with 11 markers and 10 rebounds, Scottie Thompson snared 11 boards and the rest had a hand in a defensive effort holding the Dragons below a three-digit output for the first time in their PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign.
"That's certainly the best part of what we did tonight - playing defense," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
Nicholson started strong but seemed to gas out, finishing with 28 points that went with 12 rebounds in 32 minutes of action.
With the 6-foot-10 Bay Area import playing his first game as a sub to Myles Powell, the Gin Kings made an effort to wear him out.
"It's tough playing the first game and we really hoped we could wear him out," said Cone.
Sponsored content: The multi-titled Ginebra mentor was happy with the job of Standhardinger and also with the efforts of Malonzo and the debuting Jeremiah Gray.
"Jamie is fun to watch running the floor and it's fun to see a glimpse of Gray," said Cone.
Gray, a Ginebra trade acquisition from Terrafirma, played 10 minutes and came through with five points and three rebounds.
But night really belonged to Brownlee, who got the better of his showdown with former collegiate rival Nicholson.
"It's great to see him," said Brownlee. (SB)
