Ginebra takes PBA Commissioner’s Cup title

PBA CHAMPS. Barangay Ginebra is back as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion after 21 years. The Gin Kings edged San Miguel Beermen, 93-77. (Photo courtesy of PBA Media Bureau via PNA)

MANILA — After 21 years, Ginebra is back as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup champion.

The Barangay finally got their first title in the mid-season conference in the post-Robert Jaworski era, edging the San Miguel Beermen, 93-77, in Game 6 of the finals in front of more than 20,000 people at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday night.

Ginebra used a 27-8 third quarter blast to pull away for good from SMB, which lost the best-of-seven series, 2-4, in its title defense.

Justin Brownlee, who will be back for the season-ending Governors’ Cup, led the Barangay, exploded in the second half and finished with 31 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists, four blocks, and two steals.

The Barangay last won the Commissioner’s Cup championship as the Gordon’s Gin Boars with Jaworski as head coach.

Greg Slaughter added 13 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one block, and one steal, while Scottie Thompson chipped in 12 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, and one block.

Junemar Fajardo made 29 points, 15 rebounds, and one steal for the Beermen, which was deprived of a chance to go two-thirds complete in their quest for a grand slam.