June 17, 2018

Brownlee, Tenorio combine for 57 points as Kings blast Hotshots

Barangay Ginebra picked up from where it left off the last time out versus NLEX, notching a second straight win with a 104-84 rout of Magnolia Pambansang Manok in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday.

Solid in their 93-85 drubbing of the Road Warriors in their Petron Blaze road game in Legaspi City on June 9, the Gin Kings played notches better in scoring the most lopsided victory versus the Hotshots in their rivalry in the last three years.

Justin Brownlee exploded for 35 points while LA Tenorio sizzled with 22 markers, six rebounds and five assists as the Gin Kings jacked up their record to 3-5, now just half-game behind joint seventh placers Magnolia (4-5) and Columbian Dyip (4-5).

"We're getting a little more comfortable back with Justin Brownlee. We played a really good game against NLEX and it got us going in another must-win tonight," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone.

"But we're still in the same situation after that and after that. We have no margin for error. But if we find a way to win out our three tough games, we could make the Top Six," Cone added.

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Brownlee, Tenorio and Greg Slaughter led their crucial onslaught from a 44-all deadlock at the half, and the Gin Kings roared all the way to handing the Hotshots a third loss in their last four games.

Brownlee and Tenorio hit back-to-back three-pointers to close out the third period where the Kings ended sitting on a 79-65 cushion.

Then Brownlee continued his splurge in the fourth quarter, with help from Japeth Aguilar, Kevin Ferrer and Joe Devance as Ginebra kept a safe lead to the finish.

"We're such a poor team before because we had two different imports and various injuries. We couldn't settle down. But we're a lot better now," said Cone. "Despite all the problems, our goal is to make the quarterfinals. This is a big step towards that goal."

Injuries have also been hurting the Hotshots.

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They suffered yet another defeat with Ian Sangalang and Marc Pingris helpless on the bench.

Justin Jackson, Jio Jalalon and Paul Lee scored 21, 17 and 16 points, respectively, to pace Magnolia. (SB)