The Night Justin Brownlee Became a Ginebra Icon with One Shot

In the rich and storied history of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), few moments resonate as deeply as that shot—Justin Brownlee’s cold-blooded buzzer-beater that ended Barangay Ginebra’s eight-year title drought. It wasn’t just a game-winner; it was a moment of destiny that turned doubt into legend and heartbreak into history.

The Road to Redemption: Ginebra’s Governors’ Cup Journey


Coming off a disappointing Commissioner’s Cup campaign that saw them swept by Rain or Shine in the quarterfinals, Barangay Ginebra entered the 2016 PBA Governors’ Cup with something to prove. Under the guidance of multi-titled coach Tim Cone, and the burden of an eight-year title drought, expectations were high.

Originally tapping former Best Import Paul Harris, Ginebra’s title hopes were immediately shaken when Harris suffered a thumb injury in the opening game. In a surprising move, the team turned to an unfamiliar name: Justin Brownlee, an undrafted player out of St. John's University.

Brownlee impressed right away, posting 31 points and 13 rebounds in his debut, but cramps cost him a full game effort in an overtime loss to Alaska. Many questioned if he had what it took to carry a franchise. Those doubts wouldn’t last long.

Brownlee led Ginebra to a strong 8-3 finish in the eliminations, silencing critics with his all-around excellence. With his leadership, Ginebra defeated Alaska in the quarterfinals and edged powerhouse San Miguel in the semis, earning their first finals appearance under Coach Cone.

Meralco’s Historic Rise

Meralco Bolts, on the other hand, were chasing their own history. After an improved showing in the Commissioner’s Cup, they brought in MVP-caliber import Allen Durham and Asian reinforcement Mohammad Jamshidi. The team finished as the fourth seed and stormed through the playoffs, defeating Mahindra and Talk N Text to secure their first-ever trip to the PBA Finals.

A Classic Finals Series

The 2016 Governors’ Cup Finals between Ginebra and Meralco was a back-and-forth classic. The first four games were nail-biters, with an average margin of victory of just 3.5 points. Legends like Jimmy Alapag (who broke the all-time three-point record) and Ginebra icons Mark Caguioa and Jayjay Helterbrand had their moments in the spotlight.

By Game 5, Ginebra had seized control of the series, leading 3-2 and standing one win away from ending their title drought.

Game 6: The Birth of a Legend


Meralco dominated the first half of Game 6, holding Ginebra to just 32 points and leading by double digits. But in typical Ginebra fashion—Never Say Die—they rallied in the third quarter behind LA Tenorio and Justin Brownlee, closing the gap to just one point entering the fourth.

What followed was an unforgettable fourth quarter. Tied at 88 with seconds remaining, Meralco’s Allen Durham missed a crucial layup that could have changed everything. Ginebra secured the rebound and called timeout. The stage was set.

5.5 seconds left. Justin Brownlee gets the ball.
Durham presses up. Brownlee dribbles to the top of the arc. With barely a sliver of space and time ticking down, Brownlee rises up… fires… and hits.

🎯 BANG! 🎯

The shot falls as the buzzer sounds. The arena erupts. Fans scream. Teammates sprint to embrace him. History is made.

The Shot Heard Around the Philippines

Justin Brownlee’s buzzer-beating three-pointer didn’t just win a game. It won Barangay Ginebra its first PBA title since 2008, ending nearly a decade of frustration for the league’s most passionate fanbase. It was a moment of redemption, emotion, and triumph—etched permanently into PBA history.

From a replacement import to an immortal Ginebra legend, Brownlee’s heroics marked the beginning of a dynasty and a love affair between player and country that continues to this day.

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