PBA: Brownlee's 49 goes down the drain as San Miguel trounces Ginebra to even series

SMB's June Mar Fajardo with the Ginebra defense all over him. PBA Images

MANILA, Philippines – Game 4 went San Miguel's way as the Beermen trounced semis rival Ginebra, 131-121, in the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Beermen had to survive the 49-point explosion of always-spectacular Justin Brownlee to even the best-of-seven series at 2-2.

"I just challenged them [in] yesterday's practice that we just have to come out strong, bring a lot of effort, bring a lot of energy so we will have a great chance of winning in this game," said coach Jorge Gallent during the postgame press conference.

"And they responded very well," he added. "So, kudos to them."

The Gin Kings actually never tasted the lead since tip-off, with the Beermen fending off all their rivals' efforts to return into the match.

Eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo took matters into his own hands, listing a massive double-double of 29 points on a very efficient 12-of-15 clip, grabbing 16 rebounds, and dishing three assists.

READ: PBA: Brownlee leads way, Ginebra takes series lead vs SMB

READ: PBA: San Miguel overcomes Ginebra in OT thriller to tie series

Fajardo also revealed that it was their game plan to find him underneath the basket or on the post.

"Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko, kila coach, kasi 'yun 'yung game plan namin, 'yung adjustments namin. Hinahanap ako ng mga teammates ko at pinapasahan ako sa ilalim at sa poste," said Fajardo.

READ: PBA: Justin Brownlee, Ginebra catch fire to dominate San Miguel in semis opener

Import EJ Anosike and CJ Perez were also in the 20-point digit territory for Gallent, scoring 27 and 20 markers, respectively.

SMB has a chance to reach three wins on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 131 – Fajardo 29, Anosike 27, Perez 20, Lassiter 15, Trollano 15, Romeo 14, Cruz 8, Ross 3

GINEBRA 121 – Brownlee 49, Holt 17, Thompson 15, J.Aguilar 12, Abarrientos 11, Ahanmisi 5, Tenorio 5, Pinto 3, Adamos 2, Devance 2, Cu 0

QUARTERS: 34-28, 62-56, 99-85, 131-121