Ginebra draws first blood vs. SMB

GIN KINGS BAG GAME 1. Barangay Ginebra big man Greg Slaughter (20) blocks the attempt of San Miguel Beer guard Chris Ross (6) during Game 1 of the best of seven series of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup between the two teams at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Friday (July 27, 2018). The Gin Kings drew first blood, winning 127-99. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA — Justin Brownlee waxed hot on Friday night to lift Ginebra to a 127-99 rout of San Miguel in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Brownlee dropped 42 points, making all but two of his field goal attempts, including a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc to lift the Barangay, who went on fire in the first half, opening a 35-20 lead in the first quarter and eventually putting up 69 points after two periods.

They then limited the Beermen to just 49 points in the second half to seal the rout and a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Brownlee actually came close to a triple-double as he dished out nine assists and grabbed seven rebounds, along with one steal and two blocks.

Joe Devance added 20 points on 8-of-13 shooting with three rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Renaldo Balkman made 27 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and one steal for SMB.

Chris Standhardinger had his best game so far as a Beerman, collecting 26 markers, eight boards, three assists, and one steal off the bench.