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Tag: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

  • RJ Abarrientos keeps feet on the ground as Ginebra heads into playoffs 

    RJ Abarrientos keeps feet on the ground as Ginebra heads into playoffs 

    RJ Abarrientos may have produced the highlight plays that lifted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel past TNT, but the young guard is making sure the attention does not change the way he approaches the game.

     

    After knocking down the biggest baskets in Ginebra’s 93-86 win over TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday, Abarrientos chose to talk less about his late-game heroics and more about the habits he believes will matter deeper into the playoffs.

     

    “Yung RJ pa rin na ginagawa lang yung part niya, yung basic lang para sa team na makatulong,” Abarrientos said.

     

    The rookie guard once again showed why he has quickly become one of the league’s most fearless shot-makers.

     

    With TNT threatening to complete a comeback late in the fourth quarter, Abarrientos calmly scored five of Ginebra’s last seven points, including a difficult floater over the much taller Bol Bol before draining the dagger triple that finally put the game away.

     

    But for Abarrientos, the bigger takeaway from the victory was how the entire team responded in key moments.

     

    “Magawa namin yun individually and as a team, na magkaroon ng collective effort para magtuloy-tuloy in the long run hanggang sa pinaka-finish,” he added.

     

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    The win secured the No. 2 seed for Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals and gave the crowd favorites a twice-to-beat advantage against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

    More importantly, it reinforced the momentum the Gin Kings have quietly built over the past few weeks after winning seven of their last eight games entering the postseason.

     

    While much of the spotlight has recently gone to Ginebra’s clutch performers, Abarrientos pointed to consistency and chemistry as the real reasons behind the team’s strong finish.

     

    “So, we’re just playing, we just go back to basics, we stick to our habits lang, tuloy-tuloy lang, and then we stick together as a team,” he said.

     

    The latest win also highlighted Ginebra’s depth heading into the playoffs, with Justin Brownlee anchoring the team with 18 points and 15 rebounds while several role players delivered timely contributions throughout the game.

     

    Now, with the elimination round behind them, the Gin Kings turn their focus toward Phoenix and another playoff grind — one Abarrientos hopes to approach the same way he handled Sunday’s pressure-packed finish: simple, steady, and team-first.

     

     

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  • “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    “It’s an honor to have him in the country”: Tim Cone on TNT import Bol Bol

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel closed out their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round in emphatic fashion, outlasting the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed Ginebra to secure third place in the standings with a strong 9-3 win-loss record, capping off a consistent elimination round campaign. More importantly, the result dealt TNT its third consecutive defeat in the conference, raising questions about the defending Commissioner’s Cup champions’ form heading into the playoffs.

     

    Despite the loss, TNT import Bol Bol delivered another standout performance, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in a dominant individual showing. His size, skill, and versatility continued to pose major problems for opposing defenses, even as Ginebra managed to contain the overall impact of the Tropang Giga.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged the challenge of defending the former NBA standout, praising both his performance and his presence in the league.

    “Well, I mean, we feel like we played great defense against him and he still scores 33 points. It’s like we held him to 33 points tonight. He’s such a force in the game, especially here in our game,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    “They talk about him so much in the NBA, too, when he’s out there playing. Everybody’s so thrilled to watch him play. We have had the honor to watch him play 12 games here now, and I think it’s an honor to have him in the country. It’s just a real challenge to go up against him. You know, this was a non-bearing game, but he came to play. That’s the kind of team and he’s the kind of player that can just elevate their game for the playoffs,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s balanced attack and defensive discipline proved decisive down the stretch, allowing them to pull away in the closing minutes despite TNT’s late push. The win also served as an important momentum boost as the franchise shifts its focus to the postseason.

     

    With the elimination round now complete, the Gin Kings enter the quarterfinals brimming with confidence and holding a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters in their quarterfinal matchup scheduled for Friday, May 15, back at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    As the playoffs begin, Ginebra’s strong finish positions them as one of the top contenders, while TNT will look to regroup after a rough end to the eliminations, hoping to rediscover their championship form in do-or-die territory.

     

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    RJ Abarrientos delivers late-game spark as Ginebra locks up No. 2 seed 

    When the game tightened and the pressure peaked, RJ Abarrientos looked completely unfazed.

     

    With TNT threatening to steal momentum late Sunday night, the young guard delivered the biggest shot of the game to lift Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a tense 93-86 victory over TNT Tropang 5G at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Abarrientos drilled a booming three-pointer off an inbound play with 48 seconds remaining, stretching Ginebra’s lead to 91-83 and effectively sealing the win that secured the No. 2 seed entering the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.

     

    The victory completed a strong elimination-round finish for the Barangay, who won seven of their last eight games to end up with a 9-2 record.

     

    “We didn’t talk at all about who we’ll play,” said Tim Cone. “We just wanted to come out and play up to our standard, and make sure we put a good game together. Everybody on the floor did their job. I’m really pleased.”

     

    “As it turns out, we end up playing against Phoenix, and they have been good all conference long,” he added. “We know we have our work cut out for us. But right now we’re just focused on playing one game.”

     

    Justin Brownlee once again anchored Ginebra with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Abarrientos added 17 points to earn Player of the Game honors.

     

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    But beyond the numbers, it was Ginebra’s balance that stood out.

     

    Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Isaac Go, and Ralph Cu all made timely contributions, while Japeth Aguilar marked his return from a lung injury with six points and three rebounds in limited minutes.

     

    “Ginagawa lang namin at pinaguusapan namin as a team is we just play our game, bumalik kami sa fundamentals namin,” said Abarrientos.

     

    TNT, meanwhile, continued to struggle entering the playoffs despite another monster effort from Bol Bol, who exploded for 33 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks.

     

    The defending champions erased a 15-point deficit and even pulled within one point early in the fourth quarter behind Jayson Castro, but Ginebra repeatedly answered every push.

     

    After Bol trimmed the gap to three with just over three minutes left, Abarrientos took over completely — first with a difficult looping shot over the towering import, then with the dagger triple that silenced TNT’s comeback hopes.

     

    The loss sent TNT to its third straight defeat and dropped the Tropang 5G to the No. 8 seed, setting up a difficult quarterfinal matchup against top-seeded NLEX Road Warriors with a twice-to-win disadvantage.

     

    Ginebra, meanwhile, heads into the playoffs carrying momentum, confidence, and a young guard increasingly comfortable taking over the biggest moments.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Justin Brownlee erupts for 40 to fuel Ginebra’s statement victory over Rain or Shine

    Barangay Ginebra didn’t just win on Sunday—they reset the tone of their campaign.

     

    Coming off a humbling 112-91 defeat to Meralco that snapped their five-game surge, the Gin Kings returned with purpose, overwhelming Rain or Shine, 114-90. 


    The bounce-back victory pushed Ginebra to an 8-3 record, pulling them level with the Elasto Painters for second place and edging them closer to securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    At the center of it all was Justin Brownlee, who once again proved why he remains the league’s gold standard for imports. 

     

    He poured in 40 points while adding eight rebounds, five assists, and two blocks—but more importantly, he set the emotional tempo. This time, though, he wasn’t alone.

     

    Brownlee knocked down six of Ginebra’s 21 three-pointers, leading a long-range assault that came within two of the league’s record 23 triples set by Rain or Shine just weeks earlier. But unlike previous games where he carried the bulk of the scoring, Sunday’s win showcased a more balanced attack.

     

    RJ Abarrientos orchestrated the offense masterfully with 23 points and 10 assists, while Scottie Thompson imposed his presence with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. 

     

    The bench delivered as well, with Ralph Cu adding 15 and Troy Rosario contributing 11—turning the contest into a collective statement rather than a one-man show.

     

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    The result wasn’t just about numbers—it was about response.

     

    “Friday’s game against Meralco, we were all feeling terrible about it but we were kinda due for a letdown. You never want them, especially from a coaching standpoint. That’s totally on the coaching staff,” head coach Tim Cone said.

     

    Ginebra’s answer to that setback was emphatic. Beyond the scoreboard, the victory extended their dominance over Rain or Shine, five straight wins and nine victories in their last 11 meetings dating back to the 2022 Philippine Cup.

     

    For the Elasto Painters, the loss highlighted a shift in momentum. After a blazing 7-0 start, they’ve now dropped three of their last four games. 

     

    Jaylen Johnson tried to steady the ship with 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, but the early-season rhythm that once defined Rain or Shine has begun to fade.

     

    With the elimination round nearing its end, the stakes only grow sharper. Ginebra faces a high-profile test next against defending champions TNT Tropang 5G, reinforced by Bol Bol, on May 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena—a matchup that could shape playoff positioning. 

     

    Meanwhile, Rain or Shine looks to halt its slide when it takes on the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on May 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    If Sunday proved anything, its that Ginebra isn’t just chasing wins—they’re building momentum at the right time.

     

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  • PBA: Ginebra eyes top spot, Meralco fights to stay afloat 

    PBA: Ginebra eyes top spot, Meralco fights to stay afloat 

    Momentum and desperation collide Friday night—and only one will win out.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel enters the Smart Araneta Coliseum riding the confidence of a five-game surge, looking less like a contender and more like a team peaking at exactly the right time. On the other end, Meralco Bolts arrives searching for answers, trying to stop a slide that threatens to undo its strong start.

     

    Same court. Very different stakes. For Ginebra, the math is simple—win, and they force a three-way tie at the top with NLEX Road Warriors and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at 8-2. Lose, and they fall a step behind with the elimination round nearing its end.

     

    But for head coach Tim Cone, the focus isn’t on standings—or streaks.

     

    It’s about consistency. Facing a Meralco squad coached by Luigi Trillo, Cone knows the challenge lies in sustaining their level for a full 48 minutes against a team that has every reason to fight back.

     

    Because Meralco isn’t just playing to win—it’s playing to stay relevant.

     

    At 5-3, the Bolts are clinging to a Top Four position, but the margin for error is shrinking. A win lifts them to 6-3 and stabilizes their campaign. A loss drops them to 5-4, pulling them into the chaos of the middle pack where one bad stretch can erase playoff positioning.

     

    Even the numbers from the betting side hint at how tight this matchup is. According to OKBet, Ginebra carries a slight edge at 1.91 odds, while Meralco is close behind at 1.86—an indicator that despite contrasting momentum, the gap between the two teams is razor-thin.

     

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    And if there’s one thing Meralco needs, it’s stability—especially from its import.

     

    The spotlight shifts to the battle between Justin Brownlee and Marvin Jones, two players with contrasting styles but identical responsibilities.

     

    Brownlee continues to be the heartbeat of Ginebra’s surge, flirting with triple-double numbers during their streak. His value goes beyond the stat sheet—it’s in the timing of his plays, the calm he brings, and the way he dictates big moments.

     

    Jones, meanwhile, offers a different kind of impact. He thrives on energy—putbacks, defensive stops, and transition plays. But against a team like Ginebra, flashes won’t be enough. Meralco needs a complete performance from him, especially after uneven outings in recent losses to NLEX and San Miguel.

     

    Because against a team this locked in, “almost” doesn’t count.

     

    What makes this matchup compelling isn’t just the records—it’s the contrast in trajectory. One team is climbing, the other is trying not to fall.

     

    And in a conference where every possession matters and every game shifts the standings, Friday’s showdown feels less like a regular-season game—and more like a turning point.

     

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  • Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    Injury blow for Barangay Ginebra as Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with lung complication 

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again showed why they remain one of the premier franchises in the Philippine Basketball Association, overpowering the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119–107, on Sunday, April 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Gin Kings to continue their steady rise in the standings as the Commissioner’s Cup elimination round intensifies.

     

    Barangay Ginebra leaned on its star duo of Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos, who delivered another offensive masterclass. Brownlee led the charge with 35 points, showcasing his all-around brilliance and leadership, while Abarrientos provided a crucial scoring punch with 25 markers, keeping the pressure on the Titan defense throughout the contest. Their combined firepower proved too much for the Risers, particularly in the second half where Ginebra created enough separation to secure the win.

     

    Despite the convincing result, the Gin Kings had to navigate the game without veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, whose absence was felt in the paint. Aguilar was sidelined due to a lung issue and is currently recovering in the hospital after suffering a hard fall during Ginebra’s 115–107 victory over the Blackwater Bossing last weekend.

     

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    The team remains optimistic about Aguilar’s condition. He is expected to be discharged either Monday or Tuesday, though his return to game action remains uncertain. His injury has prompted concern given his importance to Ginebra’s interior defense and rebounding presence, but early indications suggest the situation is not life-threatening.

    Head coach Tim Cone addressed Aguilar’s status during the postgame press conference, admitting that even he is still trying to fully understand the medical details.

     

    “I really can’t tell you, I can’t even pronounce the words they were using. He basically has some air in his lungs and they had to take it out. There is a medical term for it, but I can’t tell you what it is,” Cone said.

     

    “I believe he is still in the hospital. We expect him to come out tomorrow or Tuesday. We don’t really know a timeframe in terms of when he will be back to the lineup and be ready to play, I think the first step is wait for him to leave the hospital.

     

    “He is out of danger and he is not serious apparently. I hope I’m telling you the right information, but that’s what I know so far. Hopefully, we will put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup,” he concluded.

     

    In Aguilar’s absence, Ginebra’s depth and system once again came to the fore. The team compensated with increased activity on both ends, relying on quick ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense to neutralize any disadvantage inside. Their ability to adapt without one of their key veterans underscores the depth and championship pedigree that has defined the franchise for years.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Gin Kings will look to extend their winning run when they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday, May 1, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The upcoming matchup presents another opportunity for Ginebra to solidify its position in the standings while continuing to adjust in the absence of Aguilar.

     

     

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  • RJ Abarrientos powers Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a quarterfinal berth after a dominant win over Titan Ultra 

    RJ Abarrientos powers Barangay Ginebra San Miguel to a quarterfinal berth after a dominant win over Titan Ultra 

    For a team built on star power, it was the rising influence of RJ Abarrientos that defined Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s latest breakthrough.


    Abarrientos came through with 25 points as the Gin Kings dismantled the Titan Ultra Giant Risers, 119-107, on Sunday, April 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum—stretching their winning streak to five and officially punching their ticket to the quarterfinals of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    While Justin Brownlee once again delivered the headlines with 35 points—his sixth 30-point performance of the conference, the game underscored how Ginebra’s success is increasingly tied to the contributions around him. Abarrientos provided the spark that kept the offense fluid and the pressure constant.

     

    “Yung chemistry namin, down the line ‘yung pinakaimportante. Sa practice pa lang, nag-dig in kami kung ano ‘yung pwede namin ma contribute sa team,” Abarrientos said.

     

    That chemistry has become the backbone of Ginebra’s surge. Scottie Thompson nearly tallied a triple-double with 12 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, orchestrating the attack while doing the little things that kept the Gin Kings in control from start to finish.

     

    The win lifted Ginebra to 7-2, tying them for second place and making them the latest squad to secure a spot in the last eight alongside NLEX and Rain or Shine. More importantly, it reinforced their status as one of the hottest teams in the tournament heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We needed this win. We needed to take care of business talaga,” Abarrientos added.

     

    For Ginebra, the job is far from over. The Gin Kings are set to face a challenging stretch against Meralco, Rain or Shine, and defending champion TNT—matchups that will test whether their current form can translate into sustained success against top-tier competition.

     

    Head coach Tim Cone is well aware of what lies ahead, emphasizing discipline and consistency as the team prepares for tougher battles.

     

    “We’re just trying to keep our habits going. We’re going to a stretch of three really tough games with Meralco, Rain or Shine, and Talk N’ Text but this is what we want to get to. If you don’t have proper habits against quality teams, you will not be successful. We’ve tried to keep our habits up,” the veteran coach said.

     

    On the other side, the loss deepened the struggles of Titan Ultra, which dropped to 2-7 and absorbed its fourth straight defeat. Despite a late push, the Giant Risers could not overcome their earlier miscues and Ginebra’s sustained offensive rhythm.

     

    Joshua Munzon led Titan Ultra with a 20-point, 10-assist double-double, adding six rebounds and five steals in an all-around effort. Import Michael Gilmore chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds but committed six turnovers, a costly factor in the team’s total of 11.

     

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  • Justin Brownlee admits emotional challenge facing former teammate James Dickey

    Justin Brownlee admits emotional challenge facing former teammate James Dickey

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel continued their steady rise in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association standings with an impressive 109–96 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, April 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Coming into the matchup with growing momentum, Ginebra delivered another balanced offensive performance, anchored by their reliable import Justin Brownlee and rising guard RJ Abarrientos. Brownlee once again proved to be the team’s stabilizing force, pouring in 30 points while orchestrating the offense and setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Abarrientos complemented him brilliantly with 28 points of his own, showcasing his scoring versatility and confidence in crucial stretches.

     

    Local standouts Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt also made significant contributions, finishing with 17 and 13 points, respectively. Thompson’s all-around presence and hustle plays helped Ginebra maintain control of the tempo, while Holt provided timely baskets that kept Phoenix at bay whenever they threatened to close the gap.

     

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    The contest was also highlighted by a compelling individual matchup between former Pelita Jaya teammates Brownlee and James Dickey III. While Brownlee ultimately emerged on the winning side, it was Dickey who delivered one of the most eye-catching statistical performances of the game. The Phoenix import flirted with a triple-double, finishing with a dominant line of 21 points, 21 rebounds, and nine assists—just one assist shy of a rare feat.

     

    Despite the competitive nature of the matchup, Brownlee admitted after the game that facing a close friend added a unique layer of difficulty.

    “It’s kind of hard going up against a friend or a pare. But when you get on the court, you just got to go in. He went at it and tried to go at him as hard as I can without showing that friendship. But I think it was great, it was very fun, and competitive,” Brownlee said.

     

    The veteran import also revealed that he shared a brief moment with Dickey before tip-off, encouraging him to play his usual game despite the personal connection between them.

     

    “I just told him to go out there and play your game, play hard because we are not going to take it easy on you. He had a huge game for them, he did a lot for them on both ends of the floor. He’s a tough competitor, he’s a great person, a great guy off the court. I think everybody knows I played with him in Indonesia, and he’s a great teammate,” he added.

     

    Ginebra’s latest win reflects a team that is beginning to hit its stride at a crucial point in the conference. With improved ball movement, consistent scoring options, and defensive intensity, the Gin Kings are positioning themselves as a serious contender as the elimination round progresses.

     

    For Phoenix, the loss underscores the challenge of containing high-powered offenses despite strong individual efforts. Dickey’s near triple-double performance was a bright spot, but the Fuel Masters will need more collective consistency as they look to stay in the playoff hunt.

     

    Barangay Ginebra now turn their attention to their next assignment against the Terrafirma Dyip on Saturday, April 18, at the Ynares Center. With several days to rest and regroup, Brownlee and the Gin Kings will aim to sustain their upward trajectory and further strengthen their position in the standings as the race for playoff spots intensifies.

     

     

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  • Manila Clasico: Ginebra aims for rebound, Magnolia hunts for third win 

    Manila Clasico: Ginebra aims for rebound, Magnolia hunts for third win 

    The Manila Clasico has never needed extra fuel—but Friday night’s showdown brings a different kind of tension: urgency.

     

    Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia arrive at the Mall of Asia Arena chasing more than bragging rights. They’re chasing stability in a conference where every win swings momentum, and every loss leaves a mark.

     

    Tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with both squads stuck in the middle of the pack in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup. Ginebra sits at 2-2, tied for seventh, while Magnolia is just behind at 2-3—close enough that one result could flip their trajectories.

     

    But beyond the standings, this clash is shaped by contrasting currents.

     

    Ginebra enters with something to prove. A painful 82-85 collapse against San Miguel Beer saw them squander a 15-point cushion, exposing cracks late in the game. That defeat didn’t just cost them a win—it cost them rhythm.

     

    Magnolia, meanwhile, is trending in the opposite direction. After stumbling out of the gate at 0-3, the Hotshots have found life behind a reshuffled core and the arrival of import Clint Chapman. In just two games, Chapman has stabilized the middle and unlocked a more fluid Magnolia attack, helping fuel back-to-back wins—a 121-109 surge past Macau and an 85-70 dismantling of Terrafirma.

     

    Still, Magnolia’s push isn’t just about its import. The locals have quietly taken charge, with Zavier Lucero and Jerom Lastimosa anchoring the offense at 17 and 14 points per game, respectively. Their scoring has given Magnolia balance—allowing Chapman to complement rather than carry.

     

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    On the other side, Ginebra’s engine remains as clear as ever: Justin Brownlee.

     

    The resident import is putting together another dominant conference, leading all scorers with 35.3 points per game while stuffing the stat sheet with 5 rebounds and 7.2 assists. Whether it’s creating, finishing, or rescuing broken plays, Brownlee continues to be the constant.

     

    Rising guard RJ Abarrientos has added another dimension to Ginebra’s attack, emerging as one of the top local scorers in the league with 21.8 points per game. His shot-making has given the Gin Kings a needed secondary punch, especially in tight stretches.

     

    Adding another layer to the narrative is Magnolia coach LA Tenorio, facing his former team and longtime mentor Tim Cone. But Tenorio isn’t buying into the storyline.

     

    “We’ll be ready not because it’s Ginebra, and Manila Clasico, but because we need to get ready because we’re still below .500 in the standings,” said Tenorio, still in the process of steadying the ship after a 0-3 start with original import Nuni Omot.

     

    He knows the challenge ahead all too well. “I know Ginebra will be ready after the bad loss last game. I know coach Tim, he’s gonna make his team ready going into Friday’s game.”

     

    And that’s the underlying truth of this rivalry—form often fades once the ball is tipped. Because no matter the standings, no matter the streaks, Manila Clasico games tend to boil down to the smallest margins: a defensive stop, a loose ball, a final shot hanging in the air.

     

    And when that moment comes, everything else—records, runs, and narratives—takes a back seat.

     

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  • Justin Patton shines under pressure, carries San Miguel to gritty win over Ginebra

    Justin Patton shines under pressure, carries San Miguel to gritty win over Ginebra

    Easter Sunday clash between the San Miguel Beermen and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel was never just about standings in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup—it became a personal proving ground.

     

    Justin Patton made sure his answer was loud enough. In only his second game since taking over import duties, Patton delivered 19 points and 17 rebounds, anchoring San Miguel to a narrow 85-82 victory.

     

    But his biggest contribution went beyond the stat sheet—he took on the responsibility of guarding one of the league’s most feared players, Justin Brownlee.

     

    “I want to guard him. It’s a challenge. I’m out here, 7,000 miles away from home. I didn’t come here for no reason. I want to challenge myself. I want to be great every single day I wake up,” Patton said.

     

    “They say he is the better Justin so I want to see. I see that he had a good game today but we came with the ‘W.’ That’s all that matters,” the former NBA player added.

     

    Brownlee, as expected, delivered his usual game. He poured in 31 points, including a late surge in the fourth quarter that nearly turned the tide. Yet, the night exposed rare cracks—missed free throws in crunch time and limited presence on the boards, finishing with just three rebounds.

     

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    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria revealed that Patton’s defensive assignment wasn’t originally set in stone.

     

    “Actually, before the game, Justin Patton asked us if he can guard Brownlee but we were hesitant because we know Brownlee is really good whenever his guard is bigger than him. He can shoot from the perimeter, he can outrun him, he can drive, and that’s what happened,” Austria said.

     

    “But that’s not our only game plan. We also have a smaller guy. At the start, it was [Marcio] Lassiter and they took advantage of it. The next was Justin Patton, Mo Tautuaa, and Cahilig especially in the second quarter. We were able to limit his production at that time, but still, Brownlee is Brownlee. He was able to score 31 but the good thing was he wasn’t able to get rebounds. He only got three,’’ he added.

     

    For San Miguel, the victory was as much about identity as it was about execution. Still adjusting after an import switch, the Beermen showed they can win gritty and defensive battles.

     

    Now sitting at 3-2, they continue their climb up the standings, with momentum slowly building.

    “Every game presents a new challenge. You’ve got Justin Brownlee. We are a team that fight and we figure it out and that’s what we did today,” said Patton.

     

    Meanwhile, Ginebra is left to regroup after a loss that felt within reach. Despite Brownlee’s heroics, the big man couldn’t close, highlighting the fine margins that separate contenders in this stage of the conference.

     

    San Miguel looks to carry its surge into its next assignment against Rain or Shine on April 8 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Ginebra faces Magnolia on April 10 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

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