For Barangay Ginebra, it's merely a character-building game. For Columbian Dyip, it's a fight for pride.
The strong-willed Kings prevailed, forcing overtime then squeezing out a 127-123 victory Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to claim fourth seeding in playoff stage in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
Justin Brownlee scattered a career-best output for the second straight game, following up a 49-point job with a 50-point performance to lead the Kings to a closing 7-4 win-loss mark in the elims.
"I just wanna come out, stay aggressive," said Brownlee of his 50-point explosion on 20-of-37 clip and 6-of-9 free throws.
Brownlee's big game, however, could've gone to naught if not for Stanley Pringle making a big bucket in the dying seconds in regulations to force the extension play.
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The Dyip were then on the verge of exiting the tournament on a winning note.
But the Kings sent the game into OT where Brownlee sustained a torrid shooting, and Ginebra went on to keep its streak going into the playoffs.
"We treated the game like a playoff as we wanted to stay in rhythm and be ready for the playoffs," said Browlee, also logging 14 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks in 50 minutes of action.
And he hardly looked winded after the game.
"I've been here the last three years. I'm just giving it all, go out and perform," said Brownlee.
After Pringle sent the game into overtime in escaping past Columbian Dyip import Lester Prosper in a drive to the basket, Brownlee completely took over the game, firing nine points in extra time.
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Brownlee personally scuttled the Dyip's bid and thus sent Columbian to a 3-8 finish in the tourney.
The Kings completed a fightback from 12 points down and spoiled the 45-point outing of the Columbian import.
The Dyip had a chance to force a second OT, but Prosper missed a layup with eight seconds to go. (SB)
