There was a stark contrast in the results for the two brackets in the aftermath of each Game 2 of the 2024 PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals. In the top seed bracket, NLEX and Magnolia bounced back to force a best-of-three in their series. San Miguel displayed its championship pedigree over Converge and Justin Brownlee put on another commanding performance to assert his dominance over Meralco again.
Here's how each game went and why the next few games promise even more drama, as teams fight for a spot in the semifinals.
Brownlee delivers another gem against Meralco
For those who watched the game, this felt like a familiar script - especially for Allen Durham. With Meralco clinging to a 103-101 lead, Brownlee swooped in, blocked Durham's shot and then, drained a step-back 3-pointer in front of him. And just like that, Ginebra took a commanding 2-0 lead in the quarterfinal series.
It was a classic duel between these two familiar foes, as they each scored 39 points. The lead swung from one team to another, as you've come to expect in a Ginebra-Meralco encounter. Scottie Thompson was GInebra's best local player once more, with 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Meralco also had great performances from Chris Newsome and Cliff Hodge, who combined for 38 points and 14 rebounds. Game 2 proved why Ginebra can still win this series even with all their injuries. Their shooting in this series, enabled by having floor spacers, is 51.2% from rainbow country in 21.5 attempts.
Magnolia dices up Rain or Shine in the half court
An unexpected 52-point beatdown was handed down by Magnolia even the series at 1-1. After playing Rain or Shine's brand of basketball in Game 1, Magnolia slowed the pace, with 117 out of the 121 points generated in the half court, according to InStat. Fewer misses by Magnolia prevented Rain or Shine from having opportunities to run in transition because. Magnolia's fourth import of the conference, Jabari Bird, had a solid debut with an efficient 23 points on 66.7% field goal shooting. Veterans Calvin Abueva and Mark Barroca both had double-doubles to lead their team to a blowout win.
Meanwhile, there is a concern on Rain or Shine's import Aaron Fuller's health, as he got poked in the eye by Ian Sangalang in the second quarter that had him sidelined for the whole game. For now, his status remains in the balance if he is able to play in their pivotal Game 3. They also hope that the law of averages start to kick in for their 3-point shooting, which is currently at 20.3% (14-69) in two games so far.
NLEX carves out a tough win over TNT
Game 2 between NLEX and TNT was a tightly contested battle, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm. TNT, the defending champions, shot just 37.5% from the field, while NLEX edged them out with a 40.3% shooting clip. That ultimately proved to be the difference in securing the crucial win. Neither team led by double digits and the game was decided in the final possessions. A key moment came when NLEX's Javee Mocon committed an ill-advised foul on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson at the 4-point line with NLEX leading 92-88. However, Hollis-Jefferson missed the third free throw and, after intentionally missing the fourth, failed to grab the rebound, sealing the victory for NLEX.
DeQuan Jones once again led the charge for NLEX with 38 points and 12 rebounds, shooting an efficient 60.7% true shooting percentage (TS%). While not yet back to his usual form, Robert Bolick contributed 16 points, three rebounds, and five assists. On the defensive end, NLEX's physicality, particularly from Anthony Semerad and Sean Anthony, held Hollis-Jefferson to just 22 points on 27.8% shooting. This defensive effort helped offset the contributions of Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy, who both scored 19 points each for TNT. Moving forward, TNT will be looking for more from Calvin Oftana, who has averaged just 8.5 points on 46.4% TS% so far.
San Miguel's scoring just too much for Converge
San Miguel survived another late run by Converge and seized control of the series by moving to just one win away from advancing. The Beermen's 97-86 lead was trimmed down to a single point with the perimeter baskets made by Converge's Bryan Santos. However, a Marcio Lassiter triple stopped the run and the whole team chipped in with timely makes to finish the game. Import EJ Anosike had a fantastic second game with the team as he scored 41 points on 58.3% shooting from the field. He also got complimented by the hot shooting of San Miguel from 3-point range, converting 50% (11-22) of them.
For Converge, they weren't able to continue their good first half start and lost the third quarter by nine points (21-30), turning a three-point lead into a six-point deficit. One positive that they can take away from this game is the performance of import Jalen Jones, who had 36 points and was relentless on attacking the rim. Converge also hopes that Justin Arana will be able to suit up for Game 3, as he was subbed late in the game with an injury. Despite the setback, Converge should be optimistic with their chances, especially being able to keep the games at shouting distance with a juggernaut like San Miguel.