SMB shrugs-off Brownlee’s 49-point performance to tie the series

Libert Ong

17.10.2024

San Miguel’s teamwork made wonders for the Beermen as they defeated Ginebra, 131-121, last night, October 16, at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum to tie their PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup semifinals series.

The eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo led the pack with his 29 points, 16 rebounds and three assists performance.

SMB import EJ Anosike supplemented him with 27 markers, while CJ Perez added 20. Marcio Lassiter and Don Trollano contributed 15 points each to help the Beermen’s campaign.

Coach Jorge Gallent said that he was happy that his players responded to his call of playing hard, putting more effort and bringing a lot of energy in order for them to win the game.

Photo Courtesy: PBA Images

Juan Karlo Libunao (JKL)

“I challenged them during our practice yesterday that they need to be strong, put effort, and bring a lot of energy to have a big chance of winning the game. So, kudos to them,” said Gallent in Filipino.

They also endured the 49-points performance of Ginebra’s import Justin Brownlee, who also grabbed nine boards and dished off five dimes to carry the team on his shoulders.

Gin Kings coach Tim Cone said that they had no answer to the prowess that SMB showed in Game 4.

“They’re just too good for us tonight. They were firing on all cylinders. We had no answer for them. They were hitting shots from the outside, they were getting to the rim, getting the ball to June Mar. We just didn’t have an answer for them tonight,” said Cone.

“Basically, it’s back to the drawing boards and we’ll figure out what we could do better next time around,” he added.

The Game 5 of their semi-final series will be on Friday, October 17, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.