Barangay Ginebra San Miguel proved to be the steadier team down the stretch, turning back a pesky San Miguel Beermen, 99-94, to retake the series lead in Game 3 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup semifinals at the Dasmarinas City Arena on Sunday, October 13.
With the Beermen closing the gap in the waning minutes, the Kings, led by Justin Brownlee, Stephen Holt, and Scottie Thompson, delivered key plays to maintain their advantage and eventually slam the door on SMB's comeback.
Brownlee, the league's reigning MVP, continued his stellar performance with 30 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Japeth Aguilar provided valuable support with 22 points. Ginebra was protecting a 93-85 lead when SMB made a late push, cutting the deficit to just three, 93-90, with 1:41 remaining.
Holt stopped the bleeding for the Kings with a conversion, and Thompson grabbed two crucial offensive rebounds that led to a Brownlee layup, extending Ginebra's lead to 97-90. Thompson struggled offensively but made up for it with his hustle, grabbing eight rebounds, including five from the offensive end.
Maverick Ahanmisi contributed a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds, including two free throws that sealed the game after Marcio Lassiter kept SMB dangerously close with a four-pointer with 16 seconds left. EJ Anosike's 32 points and 10 rebounds went down the drain as SMB once again trailed in the series.
With the victory, Ginebra regained control of the series and moved one step closer to the Governors' Cup Finals.
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