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  • Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions, San Miguel Beermen, inched closer to defending their title with a hard-fought 115–109 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of the semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Record PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo spearheaded the Beermen with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, while Jaymar Perez (20 points), Mo Tautuaa (18 points), and Marcio Lassiter (16 points) provided crucial support down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone praised his squad for their resilience, noting their late-game surge that cut San Miguel’s 17-point lead to just four in the closing seconds.

     

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    “We were looking for a miracle in the end and we didn’t get one. Got to appreciate the guys for the fight when they fought back in the game. We made crucial turnovers all throughout the whole game that we could have made runs. It just wasn’t our night. We were fumbling the ball. Ball wasn’t going in for us. Our guys continued to fight and battle. Just came up and short,” Cone said in the postgame press conference.

    With the series now standing at 3–2 in favor of San Miguel, the two PBA powerhouses are set for a decisive Game 6. Interestingly, the last Game 6 showdown between these rivals was in last season’s Philippine Cup, where Ginebra prevailed thanks to a clutch three-pointer from veteran point guard LA Tenorio.

     

    Cone is hoping history might repeat itself in favor of the Gin Kings.

     

    “Now, we are basically in the same situation we were last conference except that it is flipped. We were up, 3–2. Now they are up, 3–2. They were able to beat us two in a row. We see if we can flip the script and see if we can beat them two in a row. We can’t get to Game 7, winner-take-all, unless we take care of Game 6. That’s where our focus is going to be,” Cone added.

     

    The much-anticipated Game 6 between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams fighting to avoid a winner-take-all Game 7.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum in the tightly contested series but also highlighted the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, while also recording 11 rebounds and 11 assists, completing a spectacular triple-double that showcased his all-around impact. Beyond his scoring, Thompson’s court vision, playmaking, and defensive presence allowed Ginebra to dominate on both ends of the floor. The point guard’s performance underscored why he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and clutch players in the league, capable of carrying his team through high-pressure playoff games.

     

    While Thompson commanded the spotlight, wingman Jayson David provided a critical spark off the bench. Playing roughly 27 minutes, David chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists. His game-high plus-minus of +22 reflected the tangible impact he had on both ends of the court, helping Ginebra maintain control during key stretches and energize the team whenever the Beermen attempted to close the gap.

     

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    San Miguel, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Star center June Mar Fajardo had an uncharacteristic night, scoring just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting. Despite his scoring woes, Fajardo still contributed a strong 20 rebounds and five assists, showing his usual presence on the glass and ability to facilitate his teammates. However, the Beermen’s reliance on Fajardo’s scoring proved costly, as Ginebra capitalized on their perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities.

     

    Following the win, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized the challenge of facing a team of San Miguel’s caliber, praising their consistent excellence and legendary status in the league.

    “June Mar had a tough night. I didn’t know if it was his shoulders or what, but he was missing shots he normally takes. We will take that, whatever advantage we can get. They are a legendary team in the All-Filipino. June Mar is legendary, and it’s quite intimidating to play them,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    Cone elaborated on the depth and experience of the Beermen roster, noting the presence of multiple All-Stars and former champions.

     

    “There is Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez, then June Mar. That’s a formidable team. Then you add Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, so it’s really tough,” he added.

     

    The veteran coach admitted that the greatest challenge in facing San Miguel is not just talent but mentality—a lesson Ginebra learned the hard way during a seven-game Philippine Cup series in Season 49, when they fell to the Beermen in the semifinals.

     

    “The biggest problem we have with this team is just believing that we can beat them. That is the hardest thing for us to overcome. We need to internalize the idea that we can beat them, and that’s really the biggest battle we need to overcome,” Cone concluded, underscoring the psychological hurdle that accompanies taking on one of the league’s most decorated franchises.

     

    Ginebra’s Game 4 triumph not only evened the series at 2–2 but also sent a message that the Gin Kings are capable of matching San Miguel blow for blow. With the series shifting momentum and both teams vying for a crucial advantage, the remaining games promise to be highly competitive, showcasing the intensity, skill, and drama that have defined this longstanding PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance for the ages.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, complemented by 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable victory. His triple-double display was not only a dominant offensive show but also highlighted his all-around contributions in facilitating teammates and anchoring the team’s defense.

     

    Thompson’s feat is the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player has scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve the rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference, cementing Thompson’s performance as a historic moment in PBA history.

     

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    For his exceptional showing, Thompson earned the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week honors for the period of January 4 to 11, averaging 20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game during the week. He edged out notable rivals including San Miguel Beermen’s Don Trollano, TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram, earning unanimous recognition from the scribes covering Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

    “I think we fought hard, we battled every quarter. Luckily, I think it’s just a good night for me. Yung rhythm namin as a team is important especially on the defensive end and that’s the main key. Overall, we got the W and lucky for me. We lifted up each other, we helped each other and we stayed through ups and downs,” Thompson reflected after the win, emphasizing the importance of teamwork alongside his personal brilliance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone heaped praise on Thompson, calling his display a “legendary performance” and underscoring the guard’s humility despite the historic feat.

     

    “It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this one for a long time. Scottie is the most humble guy you would meet, maybe outside of June Mar Fajardo. No doubt it’s a legendary performance. I think he came out and he was more aggressive tonight. He was looking for things and the more he became a threat, the more he was able to open the lanes and make passes as well,” Cone said.

     

    Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense limited the Beermen’s key scorers, preventing San Miguel from closing the gap. Alongside Thompson, supporting players stepped up at crucial moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner of the next game will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more critical.

     

    If Game 4 proved anything, it is that Barangay Ginebra has the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied rivalry.

     

     

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  • “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back in emphatic fashion to knot its best-of-seven semifinal series against long-time rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Star point guard Scottie Thompson delivered a performance for the ages, exploding for a career-high 35 points alongside 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering Ginebra to a comfortable win.

     

    While Thompson stole the spotlight, head coach Tim Cone also highlighted the contributions of wingman Jayson David, who provided a crucial spark off the bench. David finished with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists in roughly 27 minutes, posting a game-high plus-minus of +22.

     

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    Cone shared that David’s style of play has long reminded him of NBA and Golden State Warriors superstar Jimmy Butler.

    “I had a short conversation with Jayson before the game. I just told him that he has got to let the game come to him a little bit. Sometimes he gets so excited and plays a little bit beyond himself. But when he allows the game to come to him, he is so dynamic,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    “I always tell him that he reminds me of Jimmy Butler. And the kind of game he plays. He is wide-bodied. Can play bigger than he is. And very versatile, so he has always reminded me of Jimmy way back when. But now he’s getting an opportunity to show that at this point,” he added.

     

    David has steadily earned a vital role for Ginebra this conference, averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game across four semifinal outings.

     

    “He is not as good as Jimmy Butler. But relative to our league, he plays a very similar game. Similar type game,” Cone concluded.

     

    For his part, David downplayed the praise, saying he is simply focused on helping the team win.

    “Wala naman nang pressure yung ganoon. Kumbaga, pinuri niya ako, e di thank you. Gusto ko lang talaga makatulong sa team namin. Yun lang, gusto ko lang ibigay ko yung best ko. Kumbaga andito na ako, sayang punta,” David said.

     

    With the series now tied at 2-2, the pivotal Game 5 is set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • Tim Cone blasts Barangay Ginebra’s bench after Game 2 loss to San Miguel

    Tim Cone blasts Barangay Ginebra’s bench after Game 2 loss to San Miguel

    San Miguel Beermen mounted a furious second-half rally to take Game 2 of their best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal series, defeating long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 93–84, on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Beermen to tie the series at 1–1 and regain momentum after dropping the opener.

     

    Jeron Teng, a former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout, emerged as the unexpected spark for San Miguel. Coming off the bench, Teng delivered 13 points—12 of which came in the pivotal fourth quarter—igniting a comeback that stunned the Ginebra crowd. Teng’s aggressiveness down the stretch proved critical as he attacked the rim, absorbed contact, and made timely baskets when San Miguel needed them most.

     

    Don Trollano also rebounded from a quiet Game 1 performance, adding 12 key points and stabilizing the Beermen offense during crucial stretches. San Miguel’s improved bench production proved to be one of the biggest storylines of the night, flipping the script from the series opener.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone did not mince words when discussing the defeat, expressing frustration over the dip in contributions from his second unit. In Game 1, Ginebra’s bench outscored San Miguel’s reserves 54–29 in their 99–90 victory. But in Game 2, the tables turned. San Miguel’s bench exploded for 44 points, while Ginebra managed only 37—an imbalance Cone pointed to as the decisive factor.

    “We didn’t do things well tonight. We have to figure it out and see if we can come out better,” Cone said during the postgame media availability. “Our bench did not play well tonight. Nobody from our bench played well tonight.”

     

    Cone acknowledged the inconsistency that often comes with relying heavily on reserve players but remained hopeful that adjustments could be made.

     

    “That’s kind of typical with benches and guys coming off it. They will be great one night and maybe not on the second night. Hopefully, we can come back and compete better in the third game,” he added.

     

    The defeat highlighted areas of concern for Ginebra, particularly on defense and ball movement in the second half. The team struggled to contain San Miguel’s drives and allowed too many second-chance opportunities, while their own offense stagnated late in the game. 

     

    Meanwhile, the Beermen will look to build on their improved execution and energy. With Teng stepping up and the bench firing, head coach Jorge Gallent now has added confidence in his team’s depth as the series intensifies.

     

    With the semifinals now tied at 1–1, both squads head into Game 3 with renewed urgency. The crucial third meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where momentum—and potentially the direction of the series—will be up for grabs.

     

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  • “I still came up short”: June Mar Fajardo reflects after San Miguel fall to Barangay Ginebra

    “I still came up short”: June Mar Fajardo reflects after San Miguel fall to Barangay Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the Philippine Cup semifinals, edging longtime rivals San Miguel Beermen 99–90 in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Gin Kings will be grateful for the opening victory, as San Miguel’s record nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo delivered a heroic performance. The 36-year-old finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks in 40 minutes, though his efforts were largely unsupported by his teammates.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged his team’s fortune in escaping with the win, while also praising Fajardo for his dominance on the court.

     

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    Despite the accolades, Fajardo admitted he was dissatisfied with his overall performance.

    “I still came up short, because we lost. We need to bounce back, we need to regroup,” he said after the game.

     

    One area where Fajardo struggled was at the free-throw line, missing seven of his 12 attempts. Part of the difficulty could be attributed to the defensive pressure applied by Ginebra’s big men, Japeth Aguilar and Norbert Torres. Torres, in particular, committed five fouls on Fajardo in an effort to curb his influence.

     

    “We obviously played a tag team on Fajardo with Japeth Aguilar and Norbert. They did the best they could. It’s physically daunting to guard a guy that big and strong. Both Aguilar and Torres were exhausted just guarding a single guy,” Cone said.

     

    “He is just that kind of player. Wow. He played the whole fourth quarter too, the whole 12 minutes of the fourth quarter. So amazing, man,” he added.

     

    Despite Fajardo’s heroics, Barangay Ginebra’s balanced approach and resilience carried the day, giving them a crucial 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series. Fajardo will hope to continue his strong form and get more support from his teammates when the two squads meet again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone hails June Mar Fajardo, admits Barangay Ginebra were fortunate in semifinal victory

    Tim Cone hails June Mar Fajardo, admits Barangay Ginebra were fortunate in semifinal victory

    Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel drew first blood in the Philippine Cup semifinals, overcoming long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen 99-90 in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Gin Kings will be grateful for the win, as San Miguel’s record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo put in a heroic performance. The 36-year-old finished with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks in 40 minutes of play, but his efforts were largely unsupported by his teammates on the night.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledged his team’s fortune in escaping with the victory while praising Fajardo for his dominance on the court.

     

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    “We are just happy we were able to pull off this one despite June Mar having a big game. Credit to June Mar, that’s how good he is, that’s how good he has been,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

    Cone’s game plan involved pairing two of his big men—Japeth Aguilar and Norbert Torres—to contain Fajardo, a strategy that proved physically taxing for both players.

     

    “We obviously played a tag team on him with Japeth and Norbert. They did the best that they could. It’s physically daunting to guard a guy that big and that strong. Both our guys are exhausted just guarding the single guy.

     

    “He is just that kind of player. Wow. He played the fourth quarter too, the whole 12 minutes of the fourth quarter,” Cone added.

     

    Despite Fajardo’s heroics, Barangay Ginebra’s balanced approach and resilience carried them to victory, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series. Cone will be hoping that his team can maintain this form and build on their advantage when the two squads meet again in Game 2 on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

     

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

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

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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