PBA Govs Cup Finals Game 3: Pringle, Ginebra avert collapse to take 2-1 lead

Barangay Ginebra exploded in the 3rd quarter before averting disaster in the end to take a pulsating 92-84 win in Game 3 of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum and take a 2-1 series lead.

Stanley Pringle suddenly exploded for 17 of his 21 in the 3rd quarter where the Gin Kings outscored the Bolts, 35-16 to gain control.

Stanley Pringle of Barangay Ginebra goes up for a shot against John Pinto of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA PH Cup Finals. The Kings won to take a 2-1 series lead. (PBA Images)
Stanley Pringle of Barangay Ginebra goes up for a shot against John Pinto of the Meralco Bolts in the PBA PH Cup Finals. The Kings won to take a 2-1 series lead. (PBA Images)

But the resilient Bolts bounced back behind surprise bench player Trevis Jackson, who hit triples before Allen Durham buckled down to work, attacking the paint.

Durham pulled Meralco within 82-87 under the final 2 minutes, but LA Tenorio hit a dagger triple right after as Ginebra did its best to prevail.

Brownlee topscored with 24 points and also had 9 rebounds and 9 assists, while Japeth Aguilar added 23 points on 9/14 shooting and 7 blocks.

Chris Newsome led Meralco with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 dimes. Durham chipped in 23 points, 13 boards, and 7 assists.

Ginebra took only a 43-42 halftime lead in a nip-and-tuck 1st half.