PBA Finals: Ginebra escapes TNT in tight finish to even series

Metro Manila, Philippines - Barangay Ginebra outlasted the TNT Tropang Giga, 71-70, in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup finals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Justin Brownlee posted a game-high 35 points, including a clutch acrobatic lay-up in the fourth quarter, with 11 rebounds for Ginebra.

The Tropang Giga clawed their way back from an eight-point deficit in the final frame, and briefly held a one-point edge with under three minutes left.

Down by a point, TNT had the chance to snatch the victory but Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was denied by a double team from Ginebra to have a clear shot in the final possession of the match.

Scottie Thompson was the other Ginebra player who tallied in double figures with 16 points to go along with 12 rebounds and seven assists.

Hollis-Jefferson finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds for the Tropang Giga.

Game 3 of the best-of-seven series is set on March 19, Wednesday, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.