BEATEN at the buzzer the last time out, Barangay Ginebra made sure not to see a repeat of that heartbreaker, coming out strong and finishing even stronger in a vengeful stand Sunday.
The Kings blasted the Hotshots, 103-80, with a dominant Game Three showing and thus gained the pivotal 2-1 lead on their side of the PBA Commissioner's Cup best-of-five semis at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
"Obviously, we don't want to go to Game Five," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone, hinting at going all out in a bid to close out the series in Game Four Wednesday over at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.
"It's an opportunity for us to close it out, but I know it's gonna be tough," said Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio.
Cone believed the health status of Magnolia ace Paul Lee would be a key factor, saying his absence takes the wind out of the Hotshots' sails.
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That was the case for Magnolia as Lee - the hero in the Hotshots' 96-95 escape win in Game Two - was limited to playing two minutes due to an ailment Sunday.
The Kings pounced on the Lee-less Hotshots, starting the game with a 10-0 binge, zooming to a 49-34 upperhand at the half and leading by as many as 25 before sealing the rout.
Justin Brownlee and Tenorio were a deadly one-two punch in leading the Kings in their Sunday punch.
Brownlee poured in 38 points that went with nine rebounds and seven assists.
By the half, he has become the fifth import in the league's 5,000-point club, joining Norman Black, Bobby Parks, Sean Chambers and Lew Massey.
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"It just says that I've been playing a long time, and I'm enjoying it. To be mentioned with those great names is an achievement," said Brownlee. "It's a testament to my teammates, they're setting me up. It's a testament to coach Tim and a testament to the whole organization."
Brownlee went 6-of-8 from the arc to highlight his superb game as he completely outplayed Nick Rakocevic who bled for just 10 markers and 12 boards in 37 minutes of action.
Tenorio, now No. 3 in all-time three-points made ladder ahead of No. 5 Ronnie Magsanoc and No. 4 James Yap, fired four treys and finished with 20 markers.
Scottie Thompson chipped in 12 points, seven boards and six dole-outs.
Jio Jalalon topscored with 16 points for a Magnolia side which hardly posed a threat. (SB)
