PBA Finals: Ginebra takes 3-2 lead vs TNT behind Brownlee’s career best
MANILA, Philippines—When Barangay Ginebra needed someone to step up in Game 6 of the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, it was no surprise that Justin Brownlee answered the call.
Brownlee delivered a career-high 54 points as the Gin Kings outlasted TNT, 100-95, in overtime on Friday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum to seize a pivotal 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“I think we did a great job as a collective,” Brownlee said. “This win is very important, now we have a twice-to-beat and with a team like TNT it’s still hard to close this series out but I think we’ll be ready and come Sunday we’ll be ready to do it.”
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The Best Import of the Conference also added 14 rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block to his scoring explosion.
While he carried Ginebra’s offense throughout the game, Brownlee’s fourth-quarter heroics fueled the team’s comeback.
Ginebra trailed by seven late in the fourth quarter, 87-80, before unleashing a 9-0 run capped by a clutch Brownlee basket for an 89-87 lead–the team’s first taste of the advantage in the second half–with 1:15 left in regulation.
Roger Pogoy converted a hard-earned short stab on the other end to tie the game at 89-all with 1:03 left.
Both teams had opportunities to pull away in regulation but failed to convert, sending the game into overtime.
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They were once again locked at 94-all in the extra period before RJ Abarrientos and Troy Rosario knocked down back-to-back baskets to put Ginebra ahead, 98-94.
TNT’s comeback hopes took a hit after import Chris McCullough split his free throws and committed a charging foul, allowing the Gin Kings to seal the win. Abarrientos calmly drained two free throws for the final five-point margin with 14.5 seconds left.
Abarrientos, the newly minted Best Player of the Conference, finished with 13 points in the Ginebra win. Japeth Aguilar and Rosario also chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.
.McCullough tallied a double-double of 38 points and 16 rebounds in the TNT loss. Pogoy scored 23 while Jordan Heading had 13 points.
Ginebra can wrap up the championship on Sunday in Game 6 at the same venue.
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