Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee tries to get a shot off over TNT’s Poy Erram in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.–PBA IMAGES

ANTIPOLO—Ginebra import Justin Brownlee kept it real and admitted TNT’s stifling defense made the difference in Game 1 of the PBA Governors’ Cup’s Finals on Sunday night.

While they were given ample warning by coach Tim Cone that they’d be going up against a defensive juggernaut, Ginebra still found itself stunned after taking a 104-88 beating in front of a record crowd at Ynares Sports Center here.

Article continues after this advertisement

“TNT’s a defensive team so it was never going to be easy,” said Brownlee.

FEATURED STORIES SPORTS PBA Finals: Brownlee, Ginebra struggle vs TNT defense in Game 1 loss SPORTS Erram, Castro provide key help for RHJ, Nambatac as TNT takes Game 1 vs Ginebra SPORTS TNT rolls past Ginebra in PBA Finals opener READ: TNT rolls past Ginebra in PBA Finals opener

“Coach Tim definitely explained that to us in the past week while we were preparing. We won’t have the same shots we’re used to getting so we have to work a little bit harder…. their defense definitely locked in that three-point line very well.”

Brownlee, who averages 28.3 points per game, was held to just 23 points on 38 percent from the field.

Article continues after this advertisement

And it wasn’t just Brownlee who felt the wrath of the Tropang Giga defense.

Article continues after this advertisement

“From start to finish, they jumped on us. We actually got back in the game, made a few runs but every time we seemed to do so, they made big stops and big shots on offense,” Brownlee said.

Article continues after this advertisement

“It’s a well-deserved win for them, they came in and executed what they wanted to do and got the W.”

READ: PBA Finals: TNT vets Jayson Castro, Erram shine in Game 1 victory

The guard tandem of Scottie Thompson and rookie RJ Abarrientos combined for an abysmal 5-for-17 shooting night.

Article continues after this advertisement

Thompson finished with seven points while Abarrientos only had five in his PBA Finals debut.

Brownlee and the Gin Kings hope to avoid a 0-2 hole on Wednesday in Game 2 at Araneta Coliseum.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.vvjl

READ NEXT DeFazio puts on a show as Filipinas whip Jordan TNT rolls past Ginebra in PBA Finals opener EDITORS' PICK IN PHOTOS: Scenes of devastation as Kristine hits Philippines Soldier in relief mission wounded in clash with NPA in Albay Pia Wurtzbach to auction off pageant sashes, Miss Universe Top 15 dress Singapore, Malaysia air assets arrive to aid Kristine relief efforts LIST: Water service interruptions in NCR, Rizal from Oct. 28 to 31 Kristine claims 100 lives, death toll likely to rise MOST READ Comelec: No excess ballots for 2025 polls Duterte expected as Senate drug war probe begins LIST: Water service interruptions in NCR, Rizal from Oct. 28 to 31 Leon enters PAR; Signal No. 1 may be raised by Sunday Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments

• vvjl
• PBA
• Finals
• Brownlee
• Ginebra