Brgy. Ginebra emerged victorious in the first game of their best-of-five quarterfinal series against Meralco, clinching a 99-92 win on Thursday during the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Justin Brownlee showcased an exceptional performance, pouring in 29 points, alongside 12 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, leading the Gin Kings as they reignited their storied rivalry with the Bolts.

Support came from key players including Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, as well as rookie standout RJ Abarrientos and newcomer Stephen Holt, who all contributed significantly for the third-seeded Ginebra against the No. 2 seed Meralco.

Ginebra built a solid lead, stretching it to as much as 15 points at 66-51 in the third quarter, and successfully fended off a late surge from the Bolts.

Meralco narrowed the gap to 84-83, but the Gin Kings responded decisively with an 11-2 spurt, highlighted by a crucial three-pointer from RJ Abarrientos with just 2:51 remaining in the contest.

“We know that any kind of lead in the series isn’t going to matter much. Any kind of lead we have in the game isn’t going to matter much. Better be leading than then (coming from) behind. We are happy to get Game One and get ahead,” said coach Tim Cone.

Thompson contributed a solid 19 points, five rebounds, and five assists, while Holt chipped in with 14 points and five boards.

In a notable return, Joe Devance took to the court after coming out of retirement, scoring two points in just over six minutes of play.

For the Bolts, Cliff Hodge led the charge with 23 points and five rebounds, while Chris Newsome added 20 points, and Allen Durham recorded a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds.

The teams will face off again in Game Two, set for Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

The scores:

Brgy. Ginebra 99 – Brownlee 29, Thompson 19, Holt 14, J. Aguilar 10, Cu 9, Ahanmisi 8, Abarrientos 8, Devance 2, R. Aguilar 0.

Meralco 92 – Hodge 23, Newsome 20, Durham 17, Banchero 11, Quinto 10, Caram 6, Almazan 5, Rios 0, Mendoza 0, Bates 0, Cansino 0, Jose 0.

Quarterscores: 28-24, 53-43, 73-71, 99-92.