Ginebra Crushes Rain or Shine 114-90 with Record 21 Three-Pointers, Tightens PBA Standings

Key facts

• Ginebra defeated Rain or Shine 114-90 on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
• The Gin Kings set a franchise record with 21 three-pointers made in a single game.
• Justin Brownlee scored 40 points on 6-of-12 shooting from beyond the arc, adding 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks, and 1 steal.
• RJ Abarrientos contributed 23 points and 11 assists, while Scottie Thompson had a double-double with 17 points and 16 rebounds.
• Ralph Cu, averaging 2.0 points before the game, scored 15 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting and earned Player of the Game honors.
• Rain or Shine shot 36.9% from the field, with import Jaylen Johnson managing 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting.
• Ginebra improved to 8-3, tying Rain or Shine for second place in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup standings.
• Rain or Shine lost its second straight game and third of its last four, falling to 8-3.

A Record-Breaking Shooting Display

Barangay Ginebra unleashed a historic offensive barrage, drilling 21 three-pointers — the most in franchise history — to dismantle Rain or Shine 114-90 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Gin Kings shot 13 of those triples in the second half alone, turning a close contest into a blowout. Despite fielding only eight players, Ginebra's outside shooting proved unstoppable. Ralph Cu, who entered the game averaging a mere 2.0 points per conference, exploded for 15 points on 5-of-7 three-point shooting, earning Player of the Game honors. "My teammates are getting the attention, and I just made myself ready," Cu said.

Brownlee Leads the Charge

Import Justin Brownlee spearheaded the offensive masterclass with 40 points on 54.2% shooting from the floor, including 6-of-12 from three-point range. He also grabbed eight rebounds, dished out five assists, recorded two blocks, and added one steal. RJ Abarrientos complemented Brownlee with 23 points and 11 assists, while Scottie Thompson notched a double-double of 17 points and 16 rebounds, along with four assists, three steals, and a block. Troy Rosario chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds.

Defensive Dominance Stifles Rain or Shine

Ginebra's defense was equally impressive, holding Rain or Shine to a woeful 36.9% shooting from the field. The Elasto Painters, known for their run-and-gun style, managed a conference-low nine fastbreak points as the Gin Kings disrupted their usual pace. Rain or Shine import Jaylen Johnson struggled, scoring 16 points on 6-of-18 shooting while adding 15 rebounds and six assists. Gian Mamuyac contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, Anton Asistio added 13 points, and Adrian Nocum had 10 points. Jhonard Clarito, a usual provider, was held scoreless in nearly 25 minutes of play.

Turning Point and Standings Implications

The game remained tight after the first quarter, with Ginebra leading just 21-20. But the Kings seized control in the second quarter with a 19-7 run, capped by two three-pointers from Cu, to take a 51-42 halftime lead. Stephen Holt's triple early in the third quarter pushed the gap to 64-49, signaling the start of a decisive pullaway. Ginebra hit the century mark with about six minutes left, cruising to a 24-point victory. The win improved the Gin Kings to 8-3, tying Rain or Shine for second place in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup standings and strengthening their bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.

Bouncing Back from Friday's Loss

The victory came after Ginebra suffered a blowout loss to Meralco last Friday, a defeat that clearly stung. "We're very disappointed (with the Friday loss), but we weren't discouraged. We know it's not us," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone. "All the guys came out." The response was emphatic: a franchise-record shooting night and a dominant defensive performance that left no doubt about the team's resilience. Ginebra now looks ahead to its final elimination-round game against TNT on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena, a rematch of last season's Commissioner's Cup Finals.

Rain or Shine's Slide Continues

For Rain or Shine, the loss marked its second straight defeat and third in the last four outings, dropping the team to 8-3. The Elasto Painters, who had been tied for second, now find themselves in a tie with Ginebra but with momentum slipping away. Rain or Shine will attempt to secure an elusive ninth win when it faces Titan Ultra on May 8. The team's inability to generate fastbreak points and its poor shooting night highlight areas that need immediate attention if it hopes to regain its footing before the playoffs.

The bottom line

• Ginebra set a franchise record with 21 three-pointers in a single game, showcasing an unprecedented outside shooting performance.
• Justin Brownlee's 40-point outing was the centerpiece of a balanced attack that included five players in double figures.
• Ralph Cu emerged as a surprise contributor, scoring 15 points after averaging just 2.0 points previously.
• Ginebra's defense held Rain or Shine to 36.9% shooting and a conference-low nine fastbreak points, neutralizing their run-and-gun offense.
• The win tied Ginebra with Rain or Shine at 8-3 for second place, strengthening their twice-to-beat playoff bid.
• Rain or Shine has lost three of its last four games, raising concerns about its form heading into the postseason.