Justin Brownlee’s heroics in Game 2 lifted Barangay Ginebra into a 104-103 win, pushing the Meralco Bolts on the brink of elimination. Can Meralco live to fight another day?

Catch the game this Monday, September 30th, at 5:00 PM.

Meralco Bolts (0-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Chris Banchero
  • Allein Maliksi
  • Chris Newsome
  • Allen Durham
  • Raymond Almazan

Meralco did well in Game 2, which usually translates into a victory, except it’s Ginebra on the other end, and “well” isn’t going to cut it. Now, they’re just a loss away from vacation.

Allen Durham (39 pts, 14 rebs), Chris Newsome (23 pts, 3 ast), and Cliff Hodge (15 pts, 10 rebs, 7 ast) all contributed nicely on Saturday, with Durham and Newsome being the usual playmakers, and Hodge providing a surprise boost – he’s at 19.0 points per game in the series.

The problem, however, was that the rest of the team was basically non-existent. No other Bolt had more than eight points, and shot a horrific 9-of-34 from the floor collectively. Chris Banchero, the reliable option all conference long, was 1-of-6 across 34 minutes. 

The Bolts are on a win-or-go-home scenario, and they simply need to show up, especially the secondary weapons. Durham needs all the help he can get. 

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Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Scottie Thompson
  • Maverick Ahanmisi
  • Stephen Holt
  • Justin Brownlee
  • Japeth Aguilar

It happened again. For the nth time, Ginebra overcame Meralco courtesy of Justin Brownlee’s heroics. It’s one more legendary moment in his amazing PBA resume.

Brownlee is netting 34.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game in the series, showing no signs of slowing down even at 36 years of age. He should be able to perform as such on Monday.

Unlike his Meralco counterpart, Brownlee’s help was all over the floor. Four different Gin Kings scored in double figures: Scottie Thompson, Maverick Ahanmisi, RJ Abarrientos, and Japeth Aguilar, and those are beside doing other respective jobs neatly – rebounding, hustle, distributing the ball, among others.

Stephen Holt was quiet in Game 2, posting just six points and making two of his three attempts in 35 minutes of action. Look for him to go back into his classic form Monday, though. He may be a key in clinching the series.

PICKS:

Spread: Meralco (-3)

Over/Under: Over (196)

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