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Tag: PBA Commissioner’s Cup

  • 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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  • Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    There are losses that expose flaws—and then there are nights where the opponent simply can’t miss.

     

    For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Sunday fell into the latter.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao didn’t dwell on missed opportunities or tactical missteps after their 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Instead, he pointed to a reality that’s hard to counter in basketball—an opponent locked in from deep.

     

    Ginebra’s shooting display turned the game into a long uphill battle. The Gin Kings knocked down 21 shots from beyond the arc, flirting with the league record and finishing just two shy of the all-time mark. They shot an efficient 48 percent from three-point range and nearly 50 percent overall, converting 41 of their 83 attempts.

     

    “They shot really well. They made 21 three-point shots, that’s almost the record,” Guiao said. “They were two short of the record. It’s really hard to beat a team that is shooting that well.”

     

    It wasn’t just the volume—it was the consistency. Ginebra also capitalized inside and at the line, keeping their offensive rhythm steady throughout the game. On the other end, Rain or Shine struggled to match that efficiency, finishing at just 37 percent from the field.

     

    Yet despite the lopsided scoreline, the bigger picture remains unchanged.

     

    Rain or Shine’s early seven-game winning streak continues to serve as a cushion, allowing them to absorb setbacks without losing control of their playoff positioning. Even after dropping three of their last four games, the Elasto Painters still hold their fate in their own hands heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We are still chasing our ninth win. Hindi talaga para sa amin itong larong ito,” Guiao said.

    That ninth win carries significant weight. A victory in their final elimination game against Titan Ultra Giant Risers would secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, a crucial edge in the postseason.

     

    For Guiao, the approach moving forward is clear—no overreactions, just recalibration.

     

    “This is where you’re benefiting from yung good start. We had a seven-game winning streak. Now, we have a margin for error. We still have one game to take our ninth win and that’s against Titan.Hopefully, makabalik kami, win our ninth game and be assured of being in the Top Four,” he said.

    “After that, preparasyon na lang sa playoffs. We just have to move forward from this game. I don’t think we could have done anything on our side. Sabi ko nga, they shot the ball really well. On our side, we couldn’t execute the way we wanted to. I think we have to credit their defense. They played good defense on us. They really had a good game plan, executed it well. Ganun pa man, our record is still good. The only thing that is important to us is make nine wins, get a twice-to-beat, and then wait for your match-up and prepare for that. Yun lang gagawin namin,” Guiao added.

     

    In a long conference, not every loss carries the same weight. For Rain or Shine, this one feels more like a reminder than a setback—a night where the shots didn’t fall, the opponent couldn’t miss, and the real objective still lies ahead.

     

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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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  • Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    Yeng Guiao questions late call in Rain or Shine’s slip vs NLEX 

    In a game decided by the smallest of margins, Rain or Shine walked away not just with a loss—but with lingering questions.

     

    The Elasto Painters absorbed a painful 92-90 defeat to NLEX on Wednesday night in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, a result shaped as much by execution as it was by a pivotal decision in the closing minutes that left head coach Yeng Guiao visibly frustrated.

     

    With under two minutes to play and Rain or Shine clinging to an 87-86 lead, what looked like a momentum-shifting defensive play turned into a turning point of a different kind. Gian Mamuyac stripped Robert Bolick clean, igniting what could have been a transition opportunity. Instead, a whistle halted the play, calling a foul that Rain or Shine immediately contested.

     

    After a lengthy review, the challenge proved successful—Mamuyac’s foul was overturned. But the reversal didn’t restore what Rain or Shine felt it had already earned.

     

    Rather than awarding possession to the Elasto Painters, officials ruled a jump ball, wiping away what could have been a clear fastbreak situation. The sequence flipped the energy of the game, especially when NLEX secured the tip and Bolick drained a clutch four-pointer to seize a 90-87 advantage.

     

    For Guiao, the issue wasn’t just the call—it was the interpretation.

     

    “Ang alam ko, sa rules, pagka-successful ang challenge mo, kung ano yung pinakahuling incident or action, dapat doon mo pagbabasehan yung possesion,” Guiao said.

     

    “Ang consequence nun, naging loose ball, nakuha namin yung bola, tapos pina-jump ball nila. Tingin ko maling-mali yung interpretation na yun. It should have been our ball kasi kami ang maagrabyado. Actually, it could have been a fastbreak eh. Puwede naming i-fastbreak yun kasi turnover eh. Tinanggalan pa kami ng fastbreak,” said Guiao.

     

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    “I don’t know if they will review that pero tingin ko mali,” said Guiao.

     

    Still, the game didn’t end there—and Rain or Shine had chances to recover, Luis Villegas responded with a clutch basket to tie the game after Bolick’s four-pointer, keeping the Elasto Painters within striking distance. But in the final moments, missed opportunities proved costly.

     

    Jhonard Clarito came up empty on two crucial free throws, opening the door for NLEX’s JB Bahio to deliver the game-winner—a cold-blooded jumper with just 0.3 seconds remaining.

     

    It was the kind of finish that leaves little room for what-ifs, yet Guiao couldn’t help but circle back to the possession that slipped away.

     

    “Sa ganitong laro, one possession is very important especially that possession can turn into a transition point para sa amin. Pero ganun lang talaga,” Guiao said.

     

    In the end, the box score will show a two-point loss. But for Rain or Shine, the night will be remembered for a single sequence—one that turned a potential advantage into a turning tide.

     

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  • Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito’s split-second decision looms large as Rain or Shine falls to NLEX

    Jhonard Clarito found himself at the center of that moment Wednesday night, as Rain or Shine Elasto Painters absorbed a 92-90 defeat to NLEX Road Warriors at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    A result that not only snapped their grip on the conference lead but also pulled both teams into a tie at 8-2 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings.

     

    Clarito isn’t hiding from it. With the game hanging in the balance, the bruising winger earned a trip to the line after a hard foul from Tony Semerad sent him crashing into the backstop. 

     

    The fall looked nasty, his back absorbing the impact before he slowly gathered himself. But instead of taking a moment longer to recover, Clarito stepped up.

     

    “Ang sabi nga ni Kuya Beau (Belga) sa akin kanina, dapat umupo ako roon sa ilalim ng ring, nagpahinga muna ako nang medyo matagal-tagal,” he said.

     

    It was a small decision—seconds, but one that would echo loudly. Both free throws missed.

    “Naging excited akong mag-free throw. ‘Yun nga, sa sobrang excited ang kinalabasan naman, nagmintis,” the 30-year-old Forward said. 

     

    That miss opened the door. And Robert Bolick made sure NLEX walked through it, threading a pass to JB Bahio, who calmly delivered the game-winning basket with 0.3 seconds left.

     

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    Just like that, the Elasto Painters went from control to collapse. Clarito, visibly shaken after the final buzzer, carried more than just the physical pain from his fall. Still, he refused to use it as an excuse.

     

    “Hindi naman. Focus lang talaga ako sa game kanina. Hindi talaga sumang-ayon sa amin yung pagkakataon, nung sumablay yung free throw ko,” he said.

     

    If anything, the moment revealed a player caught between instinct and patience—choosing to push forward rather than pause, even when his body suggested otherwise.

     

    Now, recovery becomes the immediate priority. Clarito admitted his back has been bothering him even before this game, dating back to their matchup against Magnolia.

     

    “Tumama doon sa gilid ng poste ng ring. Buti nga may foam, pero bumaon pa rin. Medyo masakit,” Clarito said.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss is both a setback and a reminder of how quickly control can slip away in tight contests. 

     

    Their next challenge comes soon, as they look to regroup against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    And for Clarito, the path forward is just as clear—learn from the moment, live with the result, and be ready when the next one comes.

     

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  • Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    Don Trollano sparks San Miguel bench lift in comeback win over Meralco

    A return at just the right time gave the San Miguel Beermen a needed jolt. In a season where consistency has been elusive, Don Trollano re-emerged as a difference-maker.


    Powering San Miguel’s second-half surge in a 103-92 comeback win over the Meralco Bolts during the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Coming off a two-game absence due to injury, Trollano wasted no time shaking off the rust. He unloaded 14 of his 16 points after halftime, turning a tight rotation piece into the Beermen’s unexpected ignition point. He also added three rebounds, one assist, and a steal in a performance that earned him Player of the Game honors.

     

    “There’s still some pain there, but it’s manageable now. I had to really find my rhythm earlier because I was gone for two games so it was hard. I also only returned to practice three days ago, so it was a bit hard,” he said.

     

    Even with limited preparation, Trollano’s timing proved crucial. He and Mo Tautuaa combined for 26 points off the bench, giving San Miguel the depth boost it had been missing in recent outings.


    “We just have to stay focused. I know we started out flat tonight but we just knew we had to play our game and to do that, we had to stay composed,” the 34-year-old Trollano said.

     

    With their victory Trollano and the San Miguel squad climbed to a 5-5 record, good for seventh place.

     

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    The Beermen’s stars also delivered across the board. June Mar Fajardo anchored the paint with 19 points and 17 rebounds, while import Bennie Boatwright added 14 points and 11 rebounds. 

    CJ Perez chipped in 14 points despite needing 15 attempts, and Tautuaa narrowly missed a double-double with 12 points and eight boards.

     

    For San Miguel, the win offered more than just a split record—it was a reminder that depth still matters in a crowded playoff race. The Beermen now shift their focus to a matchup with Terrafirma on May 6 at the same venue.

     

    Meralco, meanwhile, leaned on Marvin Jones’ 26 points and 13 rebounds, with Chris Newsome contributing 18 and CJ Cansino adding 12.

     

    But the loss dropped the Bolts to fifth place at 5-3, slipping just outside the Top Four.

     

    They now face a crucial bounce-back test against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on May 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where every result continues to reshape the playoff picture in a tightly packed standings race.

     

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  • Macau Black Knights’ trio ignites late-game grit, crushes Blackwater’s playoff hopes 

    Macau Black Knights’ trio ignites late-game grit, crushes Blackwater’s playoff hopes 

    Macau’s campaign in the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup may be nearing its end, but its core trio made sure it wouldn’t go quietly.

     

    In a game that felt more like a battle for pride than position, the Black Knights leaned heavily on Jenning Leung, Damian Chongqui, and Ramon Cao to escape with a tense 123-119 victory over Blackwater on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    Leung and Chongqui fired 30 points each, while Cao poured in 29, accounting for 89 of the team’s total output. More importantly, their scoring came exactly when needed, steadying Macau through every Blackwater rally.

     

    “Damian had a big night, Jenning had a big night and Ramon. I’m really happy for Ramon and Jenning because they didn’t really play to their caliber in the last game against TNT,” head coach Marcus Elliott said.

     

    Macau looked in control early, stretching the lead to 13, but the game gradually shifted into a test of composure. Blackwater, despite missing import Robert Upshaw III for most of the contest due to a calf injury, refused to fold.

     

    Instead, the Bossing turned to their local unit, with Paul Zamar and Christian David stepping up with 21 points apiece. Their persistence nearly paid off when BJ Andrade trimmed the deficit to a single point, 120-119, in the final moments.

     

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    But in a game defined by its stars, it was Leung who delivered the final blow—two clutch free throws with 19 seconds left that ultimately sealed the win.

     

    Interestingly, Upshaw’s absence may have disrupted more than just Blackwater’s rotation.

     

    “I think that backfired on us, actually. I think it took the life out of Tony, it looked like his motivation went down a little bit, so I think that helped them with Upshaw not playing,” Elliot said.

     

    Tony Mitchell still produced a gritty double-double of 11 points and 22 rebounds, but Macau’s rhythm appeared briefly unsettled by the unexpected change in matchup dynamics.

     

    With the result, both teams now sit at 2-8, tied with the worst records in the eliminations. Yet the implications diverge sharply.

     

    For Macau, the win offers a chance to close its inaugural PBA stint on a high note, with upcoming games against Terrafirma on May 2 and Phoenix on May 9.

     

    Blackwater, on the other hand, faces a more complicated path. Despite the loss, the Bossing remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, thanks to earlier wins over Magnolia and San Miguel. However, their fate is no longer entirely within their control.

     

    They must now sweep their remaining assignments against Meralco on May 3 and Converge on May 9—and hope other results fall their way.

     

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  • Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    Phoenix stumble without James Dickey in costly loss to Converge FiberXers

    What started as a manageable injury concern has quickly turned into a turning point in the campaign of Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.


    In a crucial PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup clash on Sunday, Phoenix absorbed a damaging 130-103 loss to the Converge FiberXers, falling to 5-4 and slipping to sixth place—just as momentum for a quarterfinal berth was within reach.

     

    The bigger issue, however, was not just the defeat but the absence of James Dickey, whose decision to sit out due to an ankle sprain sustained in their previous 87-83 upset of Rain or Shine left a noticeable void in both effort and execution.

     

    Phoenix had initially believed the injury was something he could play through, making his absence feel like an even heavier blow in a game that carried playoff implications.

     

    “Naibaba na nga ng mga PT namin ‘yung swelling niya, pero very unfortunate na he wasn’t able to give it a try today. We could’ve used him,” said head coach Charles Tiu.

     

    Without Dickey’s presence in the paint, Phoenix struggled to match up physically with Converge, particularly against returning import Donovan Smith, who imposed his will with 32 points on 12-of-20 shooting and 12 rebounds. 

     

    The FiberXers capitalized on the interior mismatch throughout the game, controlling key stretches on their way to another statement win after previously stunning Rain or Shine, the first team to defeat them after a 7-0 start.

     

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    For Tiu, the frustration came not just from the result but from the missed opportunity.

    “Of all the games, this was the one game we had to win. Kasi, if we beat Converge, we would’ve been in the playoffs already,” he said.

     

    The absence of their defensive anchor highlighted how dependent Phoenix has become on Dickey’s two-way production this conference. 

     

    Before sitting out, he had been one of the most productive imports in the league, averaging 19.6 points, 19.6 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.75 blocks.

     

    Now, with Phoenix’s record slipping and their margin for error shrinking, the focus has shifted to availability and recovery. 

     

    Tiu acknowledged that while he believed Dickey could have potentially played through the injury, the final call was made with long-term health in mind.

     

    “I don’t know, man. I really can’t say. We’ll have to see. Pero, I thought it was something he could’ve probably played through. Pero I get naman, ayaw rin niyang mag-risk ng injury niya. It’s okay,” the 37-year-old coach said. 

     

    Whether the setback will force Phoenix to consider reinforcements remains unclear, but what is certain is that the timing could not be worse. With a matchup against TNT looming on Friday, the Fuel Masters now find themselves not only fighting for playoff positioning but also waiting on the condition of the player who had been central to their early success.

     

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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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  • Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns to TNT camp, takes on mentor role for Bol Bol

    Rondae Hollis-Jefferson returns to TNT camp, takes on mentor role for Bol Bol

    The familiar presence of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson was felt once again inside a TNT Tropang 5G practice—but this time, not in uniform and not chasing wins on the hardwood.

     

    Fresh off surgery to repair a torn Achilles injury suffered during his stint in the East Asia Super League, Hollis-Jefferson returned to the Philippines carrying something different: experience, perspective, and a voice TNT hopes can steady its campaign heading into the most demanding stretch of the conference.

     

    Instead of leading fast breaks or attacking the rim, RHJ was seen deep in conversation with current import Bol Bol—a symbolic passing of responsibility from one reinforcement to another.

     

    TNT made it clear that Hollis-Jefferson’s presence is intentional, even strategic.

     

    “Dumating si RHJ upang gabayan si Bol at magbahagi ng mahahalagang payo tungkol sa responsibilidad ng pagiging import ng TNT Tropang 5G habang papasok na sa mas kritikal na yugto ng conference,” the team shared on its official social media page.

     

    Hollis-Jefferson built his reputation in the PBA as more than just a scorer—he was the emotional anchor, the player who thrived under pressure and embraced the expectations that come with being TNT’s import.

     

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    Now, that same role is being translated off the court. For Bol, whose skillset and length offer a completely different dynamic, the challenge isn’t just production—it’s adaptation. The PBA’s physicality, pace, and expectations for imports demand consistency night in and night out. That’s where RHJ’s voice could prove crucial.

     

    Rather than learning through trial and error, Bol now has a firsthand guide who has already navigated the same pressure-packed environment.

     

    With the conference entering a pivotal stage, TNT is clearly tightening its structure—not just tactically, but mentally.

     

    The addition of a veteran presence like Hollis-Jefferson, even in a non-playing capacity, hints at a team preparing for high-stakes games where composure often separates contenders from pretenders.

     

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