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Author: Andre Sotelo

  • Luigi Trillo urges balanced whistle as Meralco eyes response after Game 1 collapse vs TNT

    Luigi Trillo urges balanced whistle as Meralco eyes response after Game 1 collapse vs TNT

    For Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals offered two hard truths—one internal, the other systemic.

     

    The Bolts’ stunning 100-95 loss to TNT on Sunday was first and foremost a missed opportunity. After building a commanding 21-point lead in the first half, Meralco failed to sustain its intensity, allowing the Tropang 5G to claw their way back and steal the series opener.

     

    Still, as Trillo reviewed the game, the conversation quickly shifted beyond execution and into the flow of the officiating.

     

    The numbers told a jarring story. TNT went to the line 47 times, while Meralco managed just 19 free-throw attempts—a 28-shot disparity that Trillo believes had a significant impact on the outcome. The imbalance became even more pronounced down the stretch, with the Bolts taking only two free throws in the fourth quarter compared to TNT’s 10.

     

    “Give credit to their physicality,” said Trillo, referring to TNT. “But again, they were awarded 17 free throws in the third quarter. End of the third, the foul calls were 24-12. At the end of the game, it was 31-17.

     

    “I think our team is not that bad at playing defensively,” Trillo said after the 100-95 loss on Sunday when the Bolts blew a 52-31 advantage in the second quarter.

     

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    “We are at fault. We didn’t match their intensity. But when you give a team 47 free throws, and it magically goes there, the PBA has to also look at the referees and check if they are making the right calls consistently for both teams.”

     

    Beyond the raw numbers, Trillo also pointed to moments he felt swung momentum away from Meralco—particularly drives by Chris Newsome that went unwhistled and a technical foul assessed on active consultant Nenad Vucinic late in the third quarter.

     

    “New (Chris Newsome) is going to the basket, he is getting bumped and they were not making a call. But when these guys (TNT) drive, there is an automatic foul. When you look at the flopping, they called us for flopping, [Rey] Nambatac flopped, [RR] Pogoy flopped.”

     

    “A bad word was said by Oftana… there was no technical foul. Our active consultant says something, and he gets called for a T. All I’m saying is let’s be consistent with the calls. If somebody says a bad word, give a technical.

     

    “If we are being called for those bump fouls, then we have to analyze that. I’m just saying what I saw. I have to check on the video,” said Trillo.

     

    Despite the pointed remarks, Trillo stopped short of placing the blame solely on officiating. He emphasized that Meralco’s biggest task heading into Game 2 is fixing what it can control—execution, composure, and matching TNT’s physical approach for a full 48 minutes.

     

    “Certainly, we need to be better. This is a champion team and they are playing better the last three conferences. Our hands are going to be full,” said Trillo.

     

    As the series shifts deeper into its grind on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, Meralco will be looking not just for a more even whistle—but for a sharper, tougher version of itself to avoid falling into a deeper hole against a battle-tested TNT side.

     

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  • PLDT moves fast to plug middle gap, brings in Seth Rodriguez ahead of PVL All-Filipino tilt

    PLDT moves fast to plug middle gap, brings in Seth Rodriguez ahead of PVL All-Filipino tilt

    PLDT wasted no time addressing a looming hole in its frontline, securing the services of veteran middle blocker Seth Rodriguez as preparations ramp up for the 2026 PVL season.

     

    The two-time champions officially welcomed the 5-foot-10 net defender on Saturday night, marking Rodriguez as the High Speed Hitters’ first roster move of the offseason and an immediate solution to an early challenge.

     

    Her arrival comes at a critical juncture for PLDT, which will open the All-Filipino Conference without resident middle blocker Dell Palomata. 


    The 6-foot-3 cornerstone was cleared by the club to take an overseas stint with the Medan Falcons in the 2026 Indonesian Proliga, where she is set to play until May. 

     

    Palomata is expected to rejoin PLDT once her international campaign wraps up, but the temporary absence created an opening the team was eager to fill.

     

     

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    Rather than wait, the High Speed Hitters turned to a familiar and proven option. Rodriguez, a former Chery Tiggo mainstay, became available following the franchise’s dissolution earlier in the offseason. Her experience and readiness made her a natural fit for a PLDT squad eyeing continuity rather than reinvention.

     

    Rodriguez is among a wave of former Crossovers who have found new homes in the league.

     

    Since Chery Tiggo folded last December, Cess Robles, Ren Peñafiel and Karen Verdeflor have joined the Strong Group Athletics stable, while Alina Bicar landed with Choco Mucho. Rodriguez now adds her name to that list, stepping into a system that values stability and depth at the net.

     

    At PLDT, she joins a veteran-heavy rotation featuring Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Zen Perolino and Mary Anne Esguerra. The added piece gives head coach Rald Ricafort flexibility in managing matchups and workloads as the conference unfolds, particularly during Palomata’s absence.

     

    With the All-Filipino Conference drawing closer, Rodriguez’s signing signals more than just a stopgap move.

     

    It underscores PLDT’s intent to stay competitive from opening serve, reinforcing its championship ambitions while ensuring the middle remains a position of strength—even amid early-season adjustments.

     

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  • Ginebra outlasts San Miguel, TNT rallies past Meralco to seize early edge in Philippine Cup semifinals

    Ginebra outlasts San Miguel, TNT rallies past Meralco to seize early edge in Philippine Cup semifinals

    Depth and decisiveness defined the opening night of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, as Barangay Ginebra and TNT Tropang 5G seized early control of their respective best-of-seven series at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Ginebra drew its edge from unlikely sources, leaning heavily on its second unit to blunt San Miguel Beer’s firepower and snap the Beermen’s 10-game winning streak with a 99-90 victory.

     

    What began as a tight, physical contest tilted sharply in the fourth quarter, when Ralph Cu and Norbert Torres flipped the script. The frontcourt duo buried four straight triples to turn a slim deficit into an 84-81 advantage, swinging momentum firmly toward the crowd favorites.

     

    From there, RJ Abarrientos and the regular rotation closed the door, with Ginebra’s bench answering the call of coach Tim Cone in emphatic fashion.

     

    Abarrientos led all Gin Kings with 23 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Cu and Torres combined for 21 points, accounting for half of the team’s 12 three-pointers.Along with Jayson David’s 10 markers, Ginebra’s reserves piled up 54 points—production that ultimately neutralized a monster night from June Mar Fajardo.

     

    The nine-time MVP delivered a dominant 27-point, 23-rebound performance, complete with three assists, a steal, and a block, but it wasn’t enough to keep San Miguel from falling behind 0-1. 

     

    Scottie Thompson added 22 points for Ginebra, with Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, and Stephen Holt chipping in timely contributions. For the Beermen, CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter scored 18 and 12, respectively, as the defending champions struggled from deep, hitting just 5-of-25 from long range.

     

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    Earlier in the evening, TNT authored a comeback of its own, riding Calvin Oftana’s late-game brilliance to escape Meralco, 100-95, and draw first blood in their semifinal duel. 

     

    Down by as many as 21, the Tropang 5G refused to fold, steadily chipping away until the game reached a tense deadlock late in the fourth.

     

    Oftana delivered the turning point—a three-point play with 2:57 remaining that broke a 91-all tie and shifted control to TNT for good. 

     

    Moments later, he found Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser cutting to the basket to stretch the lead, before calmly sealing the win at the free-throw line. 

     

    Oftana finished with 28 points on efficient shooting, along with seven rebounds and two assists, anchoring TNT’s rally.

     

    Rey Nambatac and Roger Pogoy provided secondary scoring with 17 and 16 points, respectively, while Ganuelas-Rosser posted a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds. 

     

    Meralco stayed within striking distance behind Chris Banchero’s 16 points and CJ Cansino’s 14, but the Bolts’ final push fizzled when a contested three in the closing seconds missed its mark—an ending reminiscent of their earlier-season collapse against the same opponent.

     

    With both series now underway, the semifinals head into Game 2 on Wednesday at the Big Dome, where Ginebra and TNT will look to press their advantage, while San Miguel and Meralco aim to reset the narrative in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested march toward the Finals.

     

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  • Alex Eala begins 2026 campaign in Auckland ahead of Australian Open push

    Alex Eala begins 2026 campaign in Auckland ahead of Australian Open push

    A new tennis season is officially underway for Alex Eala, and it begins far from home but firmly on familiar ground—hard courts, early mornings, and quiet preparation. 

     

    The Filipino tennis trailblazer has arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, where she has started training for the WTA 250 ASB Classic, set for January 5 to 11, signaling the opening chapter of what could be another defining year in her young career.

     

    Eala has already been spotted grinding through practice sessions with longtime coach Joan Bosch, who shared glimpses of their work on social media. 

     

    While the tournament draw has yet to be released, the 18-year-old is wasting no time settling into conditions, using the Auckland stop as both a competitive test and a springboard toward bigger stages later this month.

     

    The ASB Classic is traditionally one of the final tune-ups before the Australian Open, and this year’s projected field promises no shortage of challenges. 

     

    According to the WTA’s provisional entry list—which remains subject to change—the tournament could feature a deep lineup led by World No. 14 Elina Svitolina and World No. 15 Emma Navarro, alongside a mix of seasoned contenders and rising talents such as Donna Vekić, Magda Linette, and Peyton Stearns. Danish star Clara Tauson enters as the defending champion after lifting the title in 2025.

     

    Following her stint in Auckland, Eala will continue her Australian swing at the Kooyong Classic from January 13 to 15, a prestigious exhibition event held just a week before the Australian Open. The Kooyong appearance marks another milestone for Eala, who continues to earn invitations typically reserved for established names on the tour.

     

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    Much of Eala’s journey has been shaped by the influence of Rafael Nadal, whose academy in Spain became her training base when she was just 13. That foundation paved the way for her US Open junior title in 2022 and, eventually, her breakthrough on the professional tour. Reflecting on a recent on-court experience with the Spanish legend, Eala described it as unforgettable.

     

    “It was so special for me. Obviously, training with Rafa is something people and young kids can only dream about. So it was such a pleasure to share the court with him,” Eala said.

     

    “He gave me some tips on my forehand and a few other small pieces of advice. This is the first time I’ve ever hit with him in my life, and it’s just a memory that will last forever.”

     

    That steady climb culminated in a breakout 2025 season, highlighted by a stunning run at the

    Miami Open where she defeated Grand Slam champions Jelena Ostapenko and Madison Keys, along with world No. 2 Iga Swiatek. 

     

    The surge propelled Eala to a career-high WTA ranking of No. 50—the highest ever achieved by a Filipino tennis player.

     

    With her ranking placing her firmly inside the Top 100, Eala is currently on track to compete in all four Grand Slam tournaments this year, including the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. 

     

    As she sharpens her game in Auckland, the focus is clear: build momentum early, stay healthy, and continue pushing boundaries for Philippine tennis on the global stage.

     

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  • NBA Roundup: Big performances fuel Friday night wins

    NBA Roundup: Big performances fuel Friday night wins

    A strong slate of performances headlined Friday night’s NBA action as Houston, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, and the LA Clippers all posted convincing victories behind standout individual efforts.

     

    Rockets Pull Away from Nets Behind Balanced Attack


    The Houston Rockets continued their surge on the road with a dominant 120–96 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Amen Thompson led the way with 23 points as Houston seized control in the second half, outscoring Brooklyn 67–54 after halftime. The Rockets’ defense set the tone early, holding the Nets to just 42 points in the first half. Day’Ron Sharpe recorded eight points, eight rebounds, and seven assists for Brooklyn in the loss.

     

    Norman Powell Explodes for 36 as Heat Hold Off Pistons


    Norman Powell delivered one of the night’s most explosive scoring efforts, dropping 36 points to lift the Miami Heat past the Detroit Pistons, 118–112. Cade Cunningham nearly matched the performance with a near triple-double of 31 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists, but Miami executed better down the stretch to secure the road victory.

     

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    Tyrese Maxey’s Triple-Double Paces Sixers Over Mavericks

     

    Tyrese Maxey stuffed the stat sheet with 34 points, eight rebounds, and 10 assists as the Philadelphia 76ers pulled away from the Dallas Mavericks, 123–108. Maxey controlled the game from start to finish, while rookie Cooper Flagg showed flashes of promise for Dallas with 12 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists.

     

    Jaylen Brown Leads Celtics’ Fourth-Quarter Surge vs Kings

     

    Jaylen Brown powered the Boston Celtics to a 120–106 win over the Sacramento Kings, finishing with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Boston turned the game in the fourth quarter, holding Sacramento to just 18 points in the final frame. DeMar DeRozan paced the Kings with 25 points and six assists.

     

    Kawhi Leonard Drops 45 as Clippers Cruise Past Jazz

     

    Kawhi Leonard delivered a vintage performance at the Intuit Dome, erupting for 45 points and seven rebounds to lead the LA Clippers to a 118–101 win over the Utah Jazz. Leonard took over in the fourth quarter as the Clippers closed the game with a 36–20 run. Kyle Anderson led Utah with 22 points and eight rebounds.

     

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  • Manila to host first-ever SEA Plus Youth Games in 2028 — POC

    Manila to host first-ever SEA Plus Youth Games in 2028 — POC

    The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is laying the groundwork for what it hopes will become a long-term pipeline for Southeast Asia’s next generation of elite athletes, with plans to stage the inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (SEA Plus YG) in Manila in 2028.

     

    Designed as a high-level developmental meet, the proposed multi-sport event aims to bridge the gap between grassroots competition and major international tournaments such as the Asian Youth Games (AYG) and the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). 

     

    The SEA Plus YG will feature athletes aged 17 and under and is set to be held at least a year before the AYG, ensuring regional athletes gain meaningful exposure and competitive experience ahead of continental and global stages.

     

    POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino has taken the lead in conceptualizing and organizing the Games and will serve as its founding president. 

     

    The initiative has already gained strong regional backing, with nine of the 11 National Olympic Committee (NOC) presidents from Southeast Asia—Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Timor Leste—signaling their support for the new competition.

     

    “The SEA Plus YG is Southeast Asia’s answer to molding athletes at the grassroots level, make them competitive at the AYG level and able and capable of winning medals at the YOG,” Tolentino said.

     

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    “Ultimately, the end goal is for these young athletes to have those strong foundations to contend at the Summer and Winter Olympics,” he added.

     

    Beyond regional approval, the concept has also earned the endorsement of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). Tolentino revealed that the OCA committed its full support during a meeting with founding members, attended by OCA Director General Dr. Husain AHZ Al-Musallam of Kuwait. The SEA Plus YG is planned as a biennial event to align with the AYG cycle, which is regarded as Asia’s second-largest multi-sport competition after the Asian Games.

     

    The proposed program structure reflects the Games’ developmental focus: two mandatory sports, up to 12 Olympic sports, a maximum of five Asian non-Olympic sports, and one traditional sport featuring up to six medal events. The “Plus” element of the Games refers to the inclusion of at least one invited Asian NOC from outside Southeast Asia in every edition, a move aimed at raising competition levels and broadening cultural exchange.

     

    “The SEA Plus YG is an elite-level, developmental and culturally unifying multi-sport event as we have stated in the games’ charter,” said Tolentino, who was cited by fellow NOC heads as the driving force who “initiated, guided and established the creation of SEA Plus YG.”

     

    If realized as planned, the Manila-hosted inaugural edition in 2028 could position the Philippines at the center of a new regional effort to systematically prepare young athletes for Asia’s biggest stages—and eventually, the Olympic Games.

     

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  • PBA Philippine Cup semis set as sister teams collide 

    PBA Philippine Cup semis set as sister teams collide 

    The PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals are officially locked in, and the stage is set for a compelling mix of sister-team showdowns and classic rivalries following a dramatic close to the quarterfinal round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Meralco stamped its return to the semifinals for the first time since its 2024 title run after toppling Rain or Shine, 98–89, despite carrying a lower seed and facing a twice-to-beat disadvantage. 

    The Bolts leaned on poise and late-game execution to overcome years of playoff frustration, snapping a streak of three straight quarterfinal exits. 

     

    Chris Newsome spearheaded the breakthrough with 31 points, delivering timely baskets each time the Elasto Painters threatened. His layup halted a late Rain or Shine surge that trimmed the gap to four, before a dagger jumper with 1:13 remaining sealed the upset.

     

    “Rain or Shine, high character team. Last three conferences making the semifinals. They are doing great things there. You know that they are going to keep on coming. Just proud of the guys for the way they gutted it out,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo.

     

    Chris Banchero added 21 points, while CJ Cansino chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds before fouling out. On the other side, Adrian Nocum nearly willed Rain or Shine back from an 11-point deficit, pouring in 29 points, while Gian Mamuyac finished with 20. 

     

    The loss also marked the end of Rain or Shine’s run of four straight semifinal appearances and served as the final PBA game for franchise icon Gabe Norwood.

     

    Awaiting Meralco in the next round is its sister team TNT, setting up an all-MVP Group semifinal that guarantees one of the league’s corporate rivals a spot in the finals.

     

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    On the other side of the bracket, Barangay Ginebra arranged yet another heavyweight duel with San Miguel Beer after surviving one of the most dramatic games of the conference. 

     

    Stephen Holt buried a buzzer-beating three in overtime to lift the Gin Kings past Converge, 99–98, completing a furious comeback from a six-point deficit in the final minutes of extra time. Holt’s shot sparked pandemonium at the Big Dome, remarkable for a player who had struggled all night and was just 1-of-7 before the final play.

     

    Ginebra’s escape was set up earlier when Jeremiah Gray sank three pressure-packed free throws with 3.4 seconds left in regulation, extending the contest after Converge committed a costly foul on a three-point attempt.

     

     RJ Abarrientos led the Gin Kings with 20 points, while Scottie Thompson had 13 points and eight assists before fouling out. Jayson David scored 13 before exiting with a dislocated shoulder, as Ginebra closed the game without both Thompson and Japeth Aguilar.

     

    The win booked a familiar semifinal showdown against defending champion San Miguel Beer, reviving memories of last season’s seven-game classic where LA Tenorio authored a Game 6 buzzer-beater. 

     

    With Ginebra riding momentum and San Miguel carrying championship pedigree, another chapter in one of the PBA’s most storied rivalries is set to unfold starting January 4.

     

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  • Chris Newsome sees an MVP path for Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum

    Chris Newsome sees an MVP path for Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum

    What stood out to Chris Newsome in Meralco’s hard-fought quarterfinal clash against Rain or Shine wasn’t just the final score—it was the presence of a young guard who played with no hesitation, no fear, and plenty of promise.

     

    Adrian Nocum’s emergence in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup did not go unnoticed, especially by one of the league’s most respected backcourt leaders. 

     

    After seeing the Mapua product up close in their knockout encounter, Newsome offered rare praise that went beyond surface-level admiration, pointing instead to Nocum’s long-term potential as a franchise cornerstone.

     

    “He’s definitely a stud, man. He’s a hooper for sure,” Newsome said. “I think one thing that Adrian is going to have to figure out is how to lead his team, and that’s just going to come with a matter of time. Talent-wise, the basketball skill, everything is all there already.”

     

    Nocum backed up those words with production throughout the conference. The Rain or Shine guard averaged 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, while delivering his best outing when it mattered most—dropping a season-high 29 points in a do-or-die game against Meralco on December 29. 

     

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    Even in defeat, his willingness to take responsibility and push the pace reflected a player eager to shoulder a bigger role.

     

    For Newsome, the next phase of Nocum’s growth has less to do with scoring and more to do with command. Leadership, he believes, is the final piece that could elevate the young guard from rising star to elite status in the league.

     

    “Once he becomes a really good leader for his team, he’s going to be unstoppable and can potentially be an MVP someday,” Newsome said.

     

    Coming from a veteran who has navigated pressure-packed playoff battles and international stages, the endorsement carries weight. 

     

    And if Nocum continues to marry his scoring instincts with leadership maturity, Rain or Shine may already have its future leader in place.

     

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  • A Power Shift in the PVL: Petro Gazz and PLDT own 2025

    A Power Shift in the PVL: Petro Gazz and PLDT own 2025

    What unfolded in the PVL in 2025 was more than a shift in champions—it was a reckoning. For nearly a decade, pink ruled Philippine women’s volleyball, with Creamline serving as both measuring stick and immovable force. 

     

    Championships felt routine, dominance institutional. But this closing year had other ideas. A convergence of timing, talent, and transformation finally loosened the grip of an old dynasty and crowned new standard-bearers, with Petro Gazz and PLDT splitting the season’s silverware and reshaping the league’s hierarchy.

     

    Creamline’s title drought—only the second full calendar year without a championship since 2017—was not so much a collapse as it was a sign of evolution around them. The Angels and the High Speed Hitters didn’t simply benefit from an opening; they forced one.

     

     At the center of that shift were Fil-foreign stars Brooke Van Sickle and Savi Davison, players once labeled as pure scorers who reintroduced themselves in 2025 as complete, championship-caliber leaders capable of defining tournaments.

     

    No team embodied reinvention more than Petro Gazz. From a franchise with just two import-dependent titles in six years, the Angels turned 2025 into a scrapbook of firsts. 

     

    Their breakthrough All-Filipino Conference run finally delivered a long-elusive import-less crown, built on early dominance, postseason poise, and a finals victory over Creamline that felt symbolic as much as it was decisive. 

     

    MJ Phillips and Van Sickle formed a devastating two-way tandem, while the title also marked a historic moment on the bench, with Koji Tsuzurabara joining rare company among foreign coaches to win a PVL championship.

     

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    The Reinforced Conference told a different, yet equally defining story. Petro Gazz stumbled early, recalibrated midstream, and surged just in time—knocking out Creamline to end the Cool Smashers’ 19-tournament podium streak before finishing off ZUS Coffee’s Cinderella run.

     

     By year’s end, Van Sickle had etched her name alongside Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos as a three-time conference MVP, while Phillips emerged as the quiet constant, a two-time Finals MVP anchoring both title runs.

     

    PLDT’s rise, meanwhile, was about release. Seven years of near-misses and unfulfilled promise evaporated in a span of weeks as the High Speed Hitters finally learned how to finish. 

     

    Their preseason sweep at the PVL on Tour hinted at what was coming, but it was the resilience shown against Creamline in the semifinals—and the composure to survive Chery Tiggo’s late charge in the finals—that announced PLDT’s arrival as champions. Mika Reyes’ long-awaited Finals MVP and Kath Arado’s history-making libero double cemented a breakthrough that felt earned, not accidental.

     

    The momentum carried straight into the PVL Invitational, where PLDT once again refused to blink, turning back international challengers and sealing a second title in quick succession. 

     

    Davison’s emergence as conference MVP capped a personal leap that mirrored her team’s ascent, while PLDT’s back-to-back triumphs reframed the franchise from perennial contender to certified winner.

     

    In the end, 2025 wasn’t about Creamline falling—it was about others finally rising high enough to meet and surpass the standard they set. 

     

    Petro Gazz and PLDT didn’t just claim trophies; they claimed space, identity, and legitimacy. The league exits the year no longer defined by a single shade of pink, but by a deeper, richer palette—proof that the PVL’s next era has well and truly begun.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone: Ginebra ready to run It back against San Miguel

    Tim Cone: Ginebra ready to run It back against San Miguel

    For Barangay Ginebra, the road to the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals has been anything but smooth—and that may be exactly why the Gin Kings feel dangerous heading into another collision with San Miguel. 

     

    After clawing their way out of the brink with a dramatic 99–98 overtime escape against Converge, Ginebra now finds itself staring at a familiar foe, one that ended its All-Filipino campaign a season ago.

     

    The semifinal pairing, set to begin January 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, revives one of the league’s most intense modern rivalries. Last season’s seven-game war still lingers in memory, highlighted by LA Tenorio’s iconic Game 6 dagger before San Miguel ultimately closed the door in the decider. 

     

    That history has not been lost on Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who sees the rematch as both a challenge and an opportunity.

     

    “We know them, they know us,” said Cone.

     

    “We took them to seven games the last time, so we’ll see if we can flip the script this time around. That’s what we’ll try to do this time, flip the script.”

     

    Momentum, however, is no longer exclusive to the Gin Kings. San Miguel enters the semifinals riding a 10-game winning streak, a remarkable turnaround after opening the conference with back-to-back losses.

     

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    That surge included an 83–81 win over Ginebra during their lone elimination-round meeting in Dubai, as well as a composed 101–94 quarterfinal victory over NLEX powered by a dominant 20-point, 20-rebound showing from June Mar Fajardo.

     

    “The Beermen are on a 10-game winning streak after starting the conference with a 0-2 record,” added Cone.

     

    Ginebra, though, has quietly built its own rhythm. The overtime triumph against Converge capped a seven-game winning run, featuring two do-or-die victories against the twice-to-beat FiberXers—wins that reinforced the team’s resilience under pressure. For Cone, the Gin Kings’ path to the semifinals has only sharpened their edge.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tough,” according to Cone.

     

    “We don’t play until after the New Year. So we have to think about it, focus on it, and put a game plan all together.”

     

    “The fact that we came from dead to the semifinals, we’re ecstatic about that.”

     

    As the calendar turns and the stakes rise, Ginebra’s latest showdown with San Miguel feels less like a sequel and more like a test of evolution—two powerhouse teams, both peaking at the right time, with history waiting to be rewritten.

     

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