Ginebra’s Brownlee Extends Respect to Durham and Meralco, Credits Total Team Effort for Semi-finals Advance

In a significant development in the PBA basketball scene, Ginebra’s star player, Justin Brownlee, has openly expressed his deep respect for Allen Durham and the Meralco Bolts. Following their recent victory that concluded the quarterfinal series, Brownlee highlighted Durham as a formidable adversary, describing him and his team as a recurring “nightmare” for Ginebra.

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In a post-game interview, Brownlee shared his views on facing Meralco, “Every time we go up against Meralco, it’s like facing our biggest fear. Even in sleep, we think about how to counter their strategies,” he said. The Ginebra team has managed to secure their place in the semi-finals by sweeping the Bolts, a testament to their fierce rivalry and competitive spirit.

Despite the historical data showing Ginebra’s wins against Meralco, Brownlee insists that none of these matches were easy. “It always requires us to dig deep and bring out our best performance to overcome them,” he stated. This respect is rooted in the continuous challenge Durham and his team pose, pushing Ginebra to maximize their potential.

The quarterfinals were not just about individual heroics. Coach Tim Cone emphasized that it was a “total team effort” that dismantled the Bolts. He expressed his astonishment at the team’s ability to perform under pressure, “It’s unbelievable how our team rose to the occasion, not just once but three times in a row,” he remarked. Special mentions were given to rookie RJ Abarientos, who scored 17 points, and Stephen Holt, known for his hustle and energetic play, which significantly impacted the games.

Looking ahead, Brownlee acknowledges the ongoing threat posed by Durham and hopes that this series won’t be the last time fans get to see the Meralco import in action. He lauded Durham’s performance in the quarterfinals, calling him a “significant threat especially in the painted area,” and even jokingly wished that Durham does win a championship someday—provided it’s not against Ginebra.

In his concluding remarks, Brownlee not only praised his opponents but also highlighted the collective effort of his teammates. From the veteran plays to the fresh energy brought by newer players, it was Ginebra’s well-rounded team dynamics that secured their victory. As they advance to the semi-finals, the team remains focused and ready to tackle the next challenge, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork.