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  • Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Rain or Shine spent most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations proving it belonged among the league’s elite. Yet even after securing the No. 3 seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, the Elasto Painters still enter the playoffs carrying a familiar label — underdogs.

     

    And for head coach Yeng Guiao, that is perfectly fine.

     

    Standing in Rain or Shine’s path is a San Miguel side that may have finished lower in the standings but still carries the weight of championship pedigree, star power, and playoff experience. The Beermen, after all, remain the reigning Philippine Cup champions and appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time.

     

    Instead of resisting the narrative, Guiao is leaning into it.

     

    “We embrace the thought that we’re still considered the underdogs vs. SMB,” he said. “That’s been our whole identity ever since. We come to compete on Friday without doubt and hesitation that we have what it takes to win and get to the next level.”

     

    Rain or Shine earned its twice-to-beat incentive the hard way.

     

    Powered by its relentless pace and transition-heavy attack, the Elasto Painters stormed to a 9-3 record during the eliminations, including a statement 116-112 victory over San Miguel last April 8. At one point, Rain or Shine looked unstoppable, opening the conference with seven straight wins behind its aggressive, high-energy system.

     

    But Guiao knows the version of San Miguel awaiting them in the playoffs is no longer the same team they faced weeks ago.

     

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    When the two squads first met, the Beermen were still trying to stabilize their import situation with Justin Patton. Since then, San Miguel has turned back to Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who helped deliver a championship last season — and the results have immediately followed.

     

    Boatwright’s arrival brought renewed offensive firepower and familiarity to the Beermen setup, helping San Miguel regain momentum heading into the postseason.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tougher than our first meeting. Boatwright brings more scoring and chemistry to their team than Patton did when we first played them,” Guiao admitted.

     

    That adjustment has transformed San Miguel back into a team capable of overwhelming opponents with experience, shot-making, and championship composure — qualities that make them a dangerous lower-seeded playoff team despite Rain or Shine’s advantage.

     

    Still, the Elasto Painters believe their style gives them a real chance to challenge the Beermen.

     

    Rain or Shine’s speed, depth, and willingness to push the pace have troubled even the league’s top contenders all conference long. And with two opportunities to secure a semifinal berth, Guiao hopes his squad can capitalize immediately rather than extend the series further against a seasoned powerhouse.

     

    “We have two chances to get lucky against them. We hope we can deliver in our first attempt,” he said.

     

    Now comes the real test for Rain or Shine — proving its breakthrough elimination run can survive the unforgiving pressure of playoff basketball against one of the PBA’s most battle-tested dynasties.

     

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  • Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    Rookie Sean Quitevis draws praise from Chot Reyes, Jayson Castro after stellar defensive showing for TNT

    TNT Tropang Giga kept their semifinal hopes alive in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup after edging the twice-to-beat NLEX Road Warriors, 96-93, in their quarterfinal clash on Wednesday, May 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    Former NBA standout Bol Bol once again starred for TNT, finishing with 34 points and 14 rebounds to power the defending champions to the crucial victory.

     

    While Bol delivered the numbers, rookie Sean Quitevis provided a spark on the defensive end in his first meaningful appearance for TNT. Though he went scoreless in 12 minutes of action, the former Ateneo Blue Eagles guard made his presence felt by hounding NLEX playmakers Robert Bolick and LJay Gonzales.

     

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    Quitevis’ effort drew praise from TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who emphasized the rookie’s importance in filling the void left by injured veteran Jio Jalalon.

     

    “Well, we need a guy to fill the shoes of Jio Jalalon because siya ‘yung sa amin na pume-pressure, maliit na makulit. He’s the one who can get in the face of the opposing team’s ball handlers. Towards the end of the eliminations, when it was clear na Jio won’t be ready for the playoffs, then we made that decision,” Reyes said during the postgame press conference.

    Reyes revealed that TNT activated Quitevis just a day before their final elimination-round game against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, specifically to address defensive matchups against quick guards.

     

    “We don’t have a matchup for guys like that. For RJ Abarrientos, for LJay Gonzales, very quick and very good players and ball handlers. So that’s the role that he plays for us,” he added.

    TNT veteran Jayson Castro also commended Quitevis for staying ready despite spending most of the conference outside the main rotation.

     

    “Even sa practice, sobrang ganda nung pina-practice ni Sean. Sobrang deserve niyang ma-lineup talaga. At the same time, ‘yun ‘yung mga guy na para sa amin, nag-compose ng energy namin.

    “Kasi, always 100 percent sobrang positive niya. ‘Yung attitude niya, sobrang ganda. So, I think, ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit kami nanalo ngayon because of Sean,” Castro stated.

     

    For Quitevis, the opportunity to contribute on the playoff stage remains surreal, but one he believes he prepared for through hard work and perseverance.

     

    “Honestly, I still can’t comprehend what’s happening, but it’s kind of just flight or fight. Every time I’m on the floor, or coach calls my name, I’m just like, let’s go. I’m ready. I put in a lot of work with Better Basketball and I think this moment is just kind of just another day, another test for me and I’m just ready to put my whole heart on the floor,” Quitevis said.

     

    Quitevis could once again play a key role as TNT looks to force its way into the semifinals when the Tropang Giga and Road Warriors meet in Game 2 on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    Chot Reyes praises Jayson Castro as he enters 10K-point club in TNT win over NLEX

    For nearly two decades, Jayson Castro has been the steady force behind TNT’s identity—and on Wednesday night, he added another historic chapter to that legacy.


    The veteran guard finally broke into the exclusive 10,000-point club as TNT Tropang 5G pulled off a hard-fought 96–93 win over the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Season 50 quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The milestone came in the third quarter, when Castro sank the first of two free throws at the 3:25 mark, with the second tying the game at 67-all—setting the stage for TNT’s eventual surge and last lead change of the contest.

     

    At nearly 40 years old, Castro became the second-oldest player to reach the scoring milestone, behind Arwind Santos, doing it in his 17th season with TNT.

     

    His journey, however, is deeply tied to TNT’s long-term gamble on him.

     

    “That’s a recognition that’s long coming. I’m very proud of his journey, kasi kung maalala niyo, we made a really big, risky move when we traded a guy by the name of Jay Washington. When I got to Talk ‘N Text, basically he was our best player,” TNT coach Chot Reyes said

     

    “But we made that move to be able to be in a position to draft Jayson Castro,” he added. “Who would’ve known he would be in that elite club of ten thousand points?”

     

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    Drafted third overall in 2008—via a pick originally acquired from Air21—Castro would go on to become one of the most decorated guards in league history, collecting 10 PBA titles, three Finals MVPs, five Best Player of the Conference awards, and five Mythical First Team selections, while also starring for Gilas Pilipinas.

     

    For Castro, however, the milestone carried a deeper meaning beyond numbers, especially after battling injury setbacks last conference.

     

    “Di ko rin ma-imagine na makakapag perform pa ako ng ganito,” Castro said.

     

    His achievement also came in a crucial moment, as TNT survived a do-or-die clash against the top-seeded Road Warriors to stay alive in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The defending champions now prepare for a rematch on Saturday, May 16, at the Ynares Center Antipolo, with another knockout battle looming.

     

    Even beyond the milestone, Castro’s presence continues to define TNT’s identity as a calm stabilizer in high-pressure moments. 

     

     

    His leadership on the floor, especially in late-game situations remains one of the team’s biggest assets, setting the tone for younger teammates and reinforcing TNT’s reputation as a perennial contender in the league. 

     

     

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  • Mark Barroca bags PBA Press Corps Player of the Week as Magnolia peaks at perfect time 

    Mark Barroca bags PBA Press Corps Player of the Week as Magnolia peaks at perfect time 

    At a time when younger stars continue to dominate the spotlight in the PBA, Mark Barroca quietly reminded everyone why Magnolia still leans on him in the biggest moments.

     

    The veteran playmaker orchestrated the Hotshots’ strong closing push in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, earning PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the period of May 5 to 10 after helping Magnolia secure crucial wins entering the playoffs.

     

    Barroca averaged 11.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.5 rebounds during the stretch, but his influence went far beyond numbers.

     

    With Magnolia fighting to solidify its postseason position, the longtime floor general once again became the stabilizing force behind the team’s offense — controlling tempo, organizing sets, and putting teammates in ideal scoring positions.

     

    His biggest performance came in Magnolia’s statement 106-94 victory over defending champion TNT Tropang 5G, where Barroca finished with 15 points and 12 assists in a masterful display of floor leadership.

     

    More importantly, he played a central role in unlocking import Clint Chapman, who erupted for 42 points as the Hotshots overwhelmed TNT offensively.

     

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    Still, Barroca refused to place the spotlight on himself.

     

     

    “Lahat kami, hindi lang ako. May game plan kami. Marami kaming schemes kasi TNT talented team, bawat player may scheme kami. Kailangan naming mag-focus talaga,” said Barroca.

     

    The former Far Eastern University standout followed up that performance with eight points and three assists in Magnolia’s elimination-round finale against the Meralco Bolts, helping the Hotshots complete a strong finish heading into the quarterfinals.

     

    For Magnolia, Barroca’s resurgence could not have come at a better time.

     

    While the conference has featured explosive individual campaigns from stars across the league, the Hotshots have leaned heavily on chemistry, discipline, and veteran composure — qualities Barroca has embodied throughout his career.

     

    The weekly honor also highlighted just how competitive the race had become late in the eliminations, with Barroca edging out fellow standouts such as Robert Bolick of NLEX Road Warriors, Zavier Lucero of Magnolia, Jericho Cruz of San Miguel Beermen, and Christian Manaytay of Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    As Magnolia heads into another playoff run, Barroca may no longer be the flashiest name in the conference — but once again, he has proven he remains one of its most dependable engines.

     

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  • “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari”: Japeth Aguilar grateful to return before playoffs

    The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel wrapped up their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup elimination round campaign in impressive fashion, overcoming the TNT Tropang Giga, 93-86, on Sunday, May 10, at the historic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

     

    The victory allowed the Gin Kings to secure third place in the standings with a solid 9-3 win-loss record, further strengthening their position as one of the top contenders heading into the playoffs. More importantly for Ginebra, the game also marked the much-anticipated return of veteran big man Japeth Aguilar, who had missed the team’s previous three games due to a lung-related condition suffered after a frightening fall during their April 24 matchup against the Blackwater Bossing.

     

    Aguilar’s return provided an emotional lift for the Gin Kings, who welcomed back one of the league’s most experienced frontcourt anchors just in time for the postseason push. Despite limited minutes, the 39-year-old veteran was immediately handed one of the toughest assignments possible — defending TNT import and former NBA player Bol Bol.

     

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    Bol continued to showcase the unique skill set that has made him one of the most intriguing imports in the conference, finishing with 33 points and 10 rebounds in another dominant offensive outing. Standing at 7-foot-2 with guard-like skills, Bol presented a difficult challenge for Ginebra’s defense throughout the contest.

     

    Speaking after the game, Aguilar admitted that facing a player with Bol’s rare combination of size and perimeter ability was unlike anything he had experienced before.

     

    “Tagal ko na sa maglalaro ng basketball. Na akala ko, you know, you have seen it all then. Biglang mag Bol Bol na ganoon. Tapos ganun yung skill, guard. Tinry ko makuha yung rhythm ko,” Aguilar said in a media interaction.

    Although visibly still working his way back into game condition, Aguilar managed to contribute six points and three rebounds in 15 minutes of action. More importantly, his presence provided additional rim protection, veteran leadership, and frontcourt depth as Ginebra prepares for the more physical playoff stage.

     

    Aguilar also opened up about the unusual medical condition that forced him to temporarily step away from basketball. The veteran center explained that the symptoms did not immediately manifest following the hard fall against Blackwater, making the situation even more unexpected.

     

    “Medyo delay yung effect. So, medyo nakalaro pa ako. Tapos, everything ano talaga. Parang sakto talaga yung panayari. Sakto, sinub ko ni coach Tim. Yung sinub ko ni coach Tim, dun na medyo. Basta ang daming term ng mga PT. Talaga parang medyo nagkulang yung oxygen sa ano ko. Medyo, nag-faint ako konti,” he added.

     

    The incident understandably raised concerns within the Ginebra camp, especially given Aguilar’s importance to the team’s interior defense and rebounding. However, the veteran confirmed that he was fully cleared by the team’s medical staff before returning to practice and eventually making his comeback against TNT.

     

    For Aguilar, simply being able to return to the floor before the playoffs was already a major relief. After spending weeks recovering and monitoring his condition, the former Gilas Pilipinas standout expressed gratitude that the injury did not become more serious.

     

    “Thankful na rin ako kasi ganun lang yung nangyari. Hindi naman masyado malala. Masaya ako nakaisang game ako before the playoffs. We are working hard para ready lang sa playoffs. Weird lang talaga yung nangyari. Ang dami kong bagsak sa career ko, pero first time yun,” Aguilar concluded.

     

    The victory over TNT also highlighted Ginebra’s ability to grind out wins against elite competition even while managing injuries and lineup adjustments throughout the conference. The team leaned on its trademark discipline, defensive execution, and veteran composure to close out the elimination round on a high note.

     

    With momentum now firmly on their side, the Gin Kings head into the quarterfinals carrying a crucial twice-to-beat advantage. They are set to face the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Friday, May 15, once again at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where Ginebra hopes to continue its strong Commissioner’s Cup campaign and strengthen its bid for another PBA championship.

     

     

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  • Robert Bolick says Cady Lalanne is the quiet force behind NLEX’s rise 

    Robert Bolick says Cady Lalanne is the quiet force behind NLEX’s rise 

    While much of the spotlight this conference has fallen on explosive imports like Bol Bol, Justin Brownlee, and Bennie Boatwright, Robert Bolick believes the most important import in the league might actually be the one making the least noise.

     

    For Bolick, Cady Lalanne has become far more than just NLEX’s reinforcement — he has quietly become the emotional anchor behind the Road Warriors’ breakthrough run in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    With NLEX Road Warriors finishing atop the standings and now sitting one win away from the semifinals, Bolick made it clear that Lalanne’s impact stretches well beyond the stat sheet.

     

    “Tiwala kami sa import namin,” Bolick said. “Ang galing ng import namin.”

     

    The numbers alone already paint an elite picture.

     

    Lalanne averaged 26.0 points, 15.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks during the eliminations — ranking among the conference leaders in nearly every major category. Yet for Bolick, the bigger difference lies in the kind of presence Lalanne brings every single day.

     

    “Napaka-positive. Parang minsan, hindi mo ramdam sa loob pero ang laki ng impact niya sa amin as a team. Pinapagaling niya kaming lahat. Bihirang bihira yung import na walang ka-toyo toyo,” he added.

     

    Bolick even believes Lalanne’s demeanor may have roots in his brief connection with the legendary San Antonio Spurs organization.

     

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    Drafted 55th overall by San Antonio in 2015, Lalanne spent time with the Austin Spurs in the G League early in his professional career. Though his stint there was short, Bolick feels the culture left a lasting mark.

     

    “Siguro totoo talaga yung sinasabi sa Spurs organization. Nakikita mo kung paano siya as a player. Siyempre, tayong mga Pilipino, nagtatanong ako agad, kumusta ba si Kawhi (Leonard), mga ganun. May mga kuwentong ganun, ano ba yung ginagawa niya (Lalanne). Nakikita mo agad,” said Bolick.

     

    What stands out most for the star guard is Lalanne’s willingness to sacrifice.

     

    Despite being one of the most productive imports in the league, the Haitian big man has consistently deferred to Bolick and the local core offensively, never complaining even during long stretches without touches.

     

    “Kahit sampung possession, hindi nakakatanggap, walang wala kang maririnig. Mag-mimiss ka, siya pa magsasabi na tira mo lang, re-rebound ako. Ang sarap ng ganun,” he said.

     

    “Talagang yung voice niya sa locker room, talagang mabigat.”

     

    As NLEX continues its push toward a deep playoff run, Bolick hopes the attention surrounding the Road Warriors eventually widens beyond himself.

     

    “Tingin ng tao, ako lang lagi pero hindi totoo yun. Isa siya sa mga pinaka-importante sa team,” Bolick said.

     

    And for a franchise long searching for postseason relevance, Lalanne may indeed be the steady force that finally changed everything.

     

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  • Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    Heavyweight clashes headline loaded PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals 

    The cast is finally complete for the Philippine Basketball Association Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup playoffs — and the road to the championship immediately offers no easy passage for anyone.

     

    Even teams armed with twice-to-beat advantages are entering the quarterfinals knowing one bad night could completely shift the balance of the tournament.

     

    Among the biggest storylines heading into Friday’s playoff opener at the Ynares Center Antipolo is the dangerous collision between the third-seeded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the battle-tested San Miguel Beermen.

     

    On paper, Rain or Shine owns the advantage after securing a top-four finish and the coveted twice-to-beat incentive. But against a franchise built on championship pedigree, the cushion feels far less secure.

     

    The Elasto Painters looked nearly unstoppable early in the conference, storming to a franchise-best 7-0 start behind the high-powered play of import Jaylen Johnson and the system of veteran coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Their early-season surge featured statement wins over TNT, Converge, and even San Miguel, where Rain or Shine survived a furious Beermen comeback to preserve a 116-112 victory after leading by as many as 25 points.

     

    For weeks, the Elasto Painters looked like the league’s most complete team.

     

    Then came the late wobble.

     

    Rain or Shine dropped three of its last five elimination games, including a lopsided 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel that ultimately pushed the team down to third place despite finishing with a strong 9-3 record.

     

    Johnson still emerged as one of the conference’s top imports after averaging 23.6 points and 14.6 rebounds, but the playoffs now present an entirely different challenge.

     

    Because unlike Rain or Shine’s steady rise, San Miguel arrives carrying momentum built through survival.

     

    The Beermen stumbled through the early part of the conference behind inconsistent imports and a shaky 3-4 start that placed their title hopes in danger. Their struggles peaked during a disappointing loss to Magnolia where former import Justin Patton struggled badly.

     

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    Desperate for stability, San Miguel turned back to a familiar answer.

     

    The return of Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who powered the franchise to the 2024 Commissioner’s Cup title — immediately changed the tone of the Beermen’s campaign.

     

    San Miguel won four of its last five games and carried a three-game winning streak into the playoffs to finish 7-5, suddenly looking like a team nobody wants to face in a short series.

     

    While Rain or Shine and San Miguel figure in a heavyweight showdown, the other marquee matchup features Ginebra taking on the returning Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.

     

    For Phoenix, simply returning to the playoffs already marks a major breakthrough after missing the postseason the last two years.

     

    Unfortunately for coach Charles Tiu and the Fuel Masters, their reward is a date with the league’s most experienced playoff machine led by Tim Cone and resident superstar Justin Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra’s path to the No. 2 seed was not entirely smooth.

     

    The Gin Kings opened the conference unevenly despite Brownlee’s return, alternating wins and losses through their first four outings before eventually finding rhythm midway through the eliminations.

     

    Once they clicked, however, Ginebra quickly looked like a legitimate contender again.

     

    The team won seven of its final eight games, capped by dominant victories over Rain or Shine and TNT to secure a 9-3 record and the second seed behind top-ranked NLEX Road Warriors.

     

    Brownlee once again anchored the team with monster averages of 30.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, while rising guard RJ Abarrientos blossomed into one of the conference’s breakout stars with 21.5 points per game.

     

    Phoenix, meanwhile, enters the playoffs still searching for consistency despite flashes of promise throughout the eliminations.

     

    The Fuel Masters started strong before struggling through uneven stretches that eventually left them at 6-6 entering the quarterfinals.

     

    A major turning point came when Phoenix replaced import James Dickey with returning reinforcement Johnathan Williams, who immediately stabilized the team with averages of 22.7 points and 15.7 rebounds.

     

    The conference also became a breakout stage for Ricci Rivero, who thrived under Tiu’s system with averages of 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists before a hand injury sidelined him late in the eliminations.

     

    Still, Phoenix faces a massive uphill climb.

     

    The Fuel Masters lost their lone elimination meeting against Ginebra, 109-96, in a game where Brownlee and Abarrientos combined for 58 points to completely overwhelm Phoenix in the second half.

     

    Now, with the quarterfinals officially set, the Commissioner’s Cup postseason opens with a familiar truth around the PBA:

     

    Momentum helps, twice-to-beat advantages matter, but once the playoffs begin, reputations and pressure often become the biggest deciding factors of all.

     

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  • Meralco, Magnolia meets again with semifinal spot at stake 

    Meralco, Magnolia meets again with semifinal spot at stake 

    The PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals shift into high gear as the Meralco Bolts and Magnolia Hotshots collide once again on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—this time a semifinal ticket hanging in the balance.


    Meeting for the second time in just four days, the fourth-seeded Bolts and fifth-seeded Hotshots enter a familiar but far more dangerous setting.

     

    Unlike their elimination encounter, where Magnolia prevailed 93–76, this rematch carries immediate consequences, as the winner advances to the best-of-seven semifinals against the victor of the NLEX-TNT series.

     

    Meralco, finishing the eliminations at 8–4, spent much of the conference building stability before peaking at the right moment. After an uneven 3–3 start, the Bolts found their rhythm and surged with a three-game winning streak, dismantling Ginebra, Blackwater, and Terrafirma by an average margin of 27 points. 

     

    Their consistency has been anchored by import Marvin Jones, who has led the way with 22.4 points per game. He has been supported by CJ Cansino’s 16.0 points and Chris Newsome’s 13.8 average, forming a reliable local-import balance that has carried Meralco through tight stretches of the conference.

     

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    Magnolia, on the other hand, has been one of the conference’s most dramatic turnaround stories.

    After stumbling to an 0–3 start, the Hotshots reshaped their season following the arrival of import Clint Chapman. Since his debut, Magnolia has gone 7–2, transforming from early strugglers into one of the most dangerous teams entering the playoffs. 

     

    Chapman immediately set the tone with a dominant 39-point, 15-rebound performance against Blackwater, and has since averaged 26.4 points across the eliminations.

     

    The Hotshots also leaned heavily on Xavier Lucero, who has contributed 15.8 points per game, alongside Jerom Lastimosa’s 12.8 scoring output. Their late-season surge included six wins in their last eight games, a run that propelled them firmly into contention despite finishing at 7–5.

     

    Their most recent meeting with Meralco, however, added an extra layer of intensity to this rematch. Magnolia’s 93–76 victory in the eliminations finale not only extended their winning streak to three games but also exposed the physical edge expected to carry into the playoffs. 

     

    Meralco carries a twice-to-beat advantage, meaning they only need one win to move forward. Magnolia, meanwhile, must replicate their recent form under pressure and string together two perfect performances to survive.

     

    Despite the pressure, both sides enter the matchup believing in their identity—Meralco trusting its balance and consistency, Magnolia banking on its explosive late-season transformation. 

     

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  • 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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  • This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA and PBA (May 11 – 17)

    This Week’s Sports Fixtures: NBA and PBA (May 11 – 17)

    A packed week of basketball action awaits fans as the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup continues its crucial stretch while the NBA Playoffs intensify with key semifinal matchups and possible closeout games. From local rivalries at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Ynares Center to high-stakes battles in the NBA postseason, several teams will look to gain momentum and move one step closer toward championship contention.

     

    PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup

    📍 Ninoy Aquino Stadium

    Wednesday, May 13

    5:15 PM — TNT Tropang 5G vs NLEX Road Warriors
     7:30 PM — Magnolia Hotshots vs Meralco Bolts

    📍 Ynares Center

    Friday, May 15

    5:15 PM — San Miguel Beermen vs Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
     7:30 PM — Phoenix Fuelmasters vs Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

     

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    NBA Playoffs 2025–26 Conference Semifinal

    Tuesday, May 12

    8:00 AM PHT — Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 4: DET leads 2-1)

    10:30 AM PHT — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 4: OKC leads 3-0)

     

    Wednesday, May 13

    8:00 AM PHT — Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs (Game 5: Series tied 2-2)

     

    Thursday, May 14

    TBD — Cleveland Cavaliers vs Detroit Pistons (Game 5: DET leads 2-1)

    TBD — Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder (Game 5: If necessary)

     

    Saturday, May 15

    TBD — Detroit Pistons vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Game 6: If necessary)

    TBD — San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves (Game 6: Series tied 2-2)

     

    Sunday, May 17

    TBD — Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers (Game 6: If necessary)

     

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