Ginebra escaped with an 87-84 win against

Magnolia in Game 1 of their PBA

Commissioner's Cup semifinal series on
Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in
Pasig City.

The Gin Kings held the Hotshots scoreless in

the final 2:36 of the game and got the needed
breaks in the end to take the opener of the
best-of-five "Manila Clasico" semifinals despite
Justin Brownlee's off night.

Jamie Malonzo put up 21 points, a playoff

career-high, 12 rebounds, one assist and three
steals, while Scottie Thompson added 16
points, seven rebounds, six assists and one
block for Ginebra, which gave head coach Tim
Cone a fitting gift on his 65th birthday.

Brownlee was held to just 11 points, his lowest

output since only making 10 in Game 4 of the
2016 Governors' Cup Finals, committed seven
turnovers, but had 13 rebounds, six assists,
two steals and two blocks.

Paul Lee led Magnolia, which still put up a fight

despite losing import Nick Rakocevic to an
ejection in the third quarter, with 21 points,
two rebounds and two assists.

Aris Dionisio added 12 points and three

rebounds, while Rakocevic, Ian Sangalang, and
Calvin Abueva each made 10 markers with
Abueva also grabbing 12 caroms. (PNA)