By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings survived a gritty stand by Terrafirma Dyip for a close 109-104 win in the 2022-2023 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Wednesday night, March 8.

Struggling to pull away from the also-ran Dyip, the Gin Kings broke a 102-all deadlock with a three-pointer by Nard John Pinto for a 105-102 lead with over two minutes left before it was quickly cut to 104-105 by a tough layup by Terrafirma’s Jordan Williams.

A jumper by Justin Brownlee with exactly a minute left followed by a two-handed dunk by Jamie Malonzo with 13 seconds remaining served as the Gin Kings’ separation to escape with their fifth consecutive victory.

Brownlee finished with 38 points, with 19 coming in the fourth quarter, to go with six assists, five blocks and three rebounds as the Gin Kings secured a twice-to-beat incentive with its 8-2 win-loss slate.

Christian Standhardinger had double-double 23 points and 12 rebounds, Malonzo also had double-double 16 points and 13 boards, while Earl Scottie Thompson contributed 13 for the defending champion Gin Kings.

Gin Kings head coach Tim Cone heaved a sigh of relief after their great escape against the Dyip that solidified their top four spot in the playoff round.

“The game [against Terrafirma] was absolutely crucial. It was like a championship game for us,” Cone said.

“We really need to come out and get this,” he added.

Jordan Williams tallied double-double 35 points and 10 rebounds, Juan Miguel Tiongson added 18 markers, while Eric James Camson contributed 11 as the Dyip ended their campaign with a 2-9 win-loss slate.

GINEBRA 109 — Brownlee 38, Standhardinger 23, Malonzo 16, Thompson 13, Pinto 9, Gray 7, Pringle 3.

TERRAFIRMA 104 — Williams 35, Tiongson 18, Camson 11, Gomez de Liano 8, Mina 7, Cahilig 7, Calvo 7, Cabagnot 3, Ramos 3, Daquioag 3, Gabayni 2, Ferrer 0, Alolino 0.

Quarterscores: 26-24, 52-48, 78-79, 109-104./ASC, WDJ