Game Overview
On January 29, 2025, Barangay Ginebra secured a hard-fought 91-87 victory over Meralco Bolts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. The win cemented Ginebra’s position as the fourth seed heading into the playoffs.
Key Performers
- RJ Abarrientos led Ginebra with 17 points, showing strong offensive skills.
- Justin Brownlee contributed 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.
- Stephen Holt added 13 points to the team’s scoring efforts.
- Meralco’s CJ Cansino led his team with 15 points, while Raymond Almazan recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
Game Highlights
- Ginebra controlled the game early, building a 17-point lead in the second half.
- Meralco, playing without import Akil Mitchell due to injury, attempted a comeback but fell short.
Playoff Implications
- Ginebra improved to an 8-4 record, securing the fourth seed.
- Meralco, now at 7-4, is locked into the fifth seed and will face Ginebra in a best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Rivalry Continues
The upcoming playoff matchup adds another chapter to the Ginebra-Meralco rivalry. Meralco defeated Ginebra in the 2024 Philippine Cup semifinals, while Ginebra got revenge in the 2024 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
As the playoffs approach, fans can expect an intense and highly competitive series between these two teams.
1st Q2ND Q3RD Q4TH Q
21:59
28:51
27:10
40:56