Ginebra Eyes Momentum Boost After Game 1 Thriller Against San Miguel
Kings Look to Capitalize on Narrow Win as Beermen Aim to Bounce Back
The Advantage of a Head Start
Getting ahead early in a playoff series can set the tone for what’s to come — a truth not lost on Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone. With a best-of-seven grind ahead against the formidable San Miguel Beermen, Cone knows just how valuable their Game 1 victory could prove to be.
“It’s always nice to have the lead in a series,” Cone said, highlighting how even a slight edge can help build momentum or at least give his team a foothold in the intense semifinal matchup of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup.
Despite not playing their best basketball, the Gin Kings escaped with a dramatic 73–71 win in Game 1 at the Mall of Asia Arena. That performance has given them a key jumpstart heading into Game 2, set for Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Grit Over Glamour: How Ginebra Stole Game 1
Cone was honest in assessing his team’s performance. “We didn’t play great, we didn’t shoot great, we didn’t even really defend that great, but we found a way,” he remarked after the game. And he’s right.
Down by as many as 18 points, Ginebra didn’t dominate statistically, but showed signature grit — a hallmark of their “Never Say Die” mantra. Japeth Aguilar and company clawed their way back into contention and seized the game in the clutch.
The strategy? Drag the Beermen into an uncomfortable, low-scoring slugfest. The plan worked — barely.
San Miguel’s Off-Night Raises Alarms — and Expectations
A major reason for Ginebra’s win was San Miguel’s cold shooting. The Beermen managed just 32.1% from the field, a paltry performance that led to their lowest point output of the conference at just 71 points. Their usual scoring weapons — including CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, and Rodney Brondial — simply couldn’t get into rhythm.
Most notably, eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo was held to just six points — his first single-digit outing in the entire tournament. Fajardo, who averages 17.6 points per game, appeared stifled and out of sync, missing seven of his ten shots from the field.
While the Game 1 struggles gave Ginebra the break they needed, Cone isn’t counting on another off-night from San Miguel. “It’s only one game and we got to be playing better than this as the series goes for us to have a chance,” he said.
Beermen Reload: A Dangerous Game 2 Awaits
The Beermen’s field goal shooting — a dismal 26-of-81 clip — was uncharacteristic, and unlikely to be repeated. CJ Perez still led the charge with 8-of-21 shooting, but no one else could really pick up the slack. Even San Miguel’s bench unit was unable to contribute meaningfully.
That said, if history is any indicator, San Miguel is poised for a strong bounce-back. Their roster is too deep, their experience too extensive, and their pride too great to allow another performance like that without a strong response.
Cone and the Gin Kings are fully aware that a storm could be brewing. And they’re preparing accordingly.
Game 2: A Test of Resilience and Adjustments
With the stage shifting to the Ninoy Aquino Stadium for Game 2, Ginebra’s goal is simple: maintain the edge, or at least weather the storm from a recharged San Miguel squad.
Expect tactical adjustments on both ends. Ginebra will likely double down on defense and tempo control, while San Miguel looks to rediscover its offensive rhythm and give Fajardo more space to operate.
If Game 1 was about grit, Game 2 will be about execution — and which team can adapt quicker in what promises to be a long and emotionally charged series.
While Ginebra holds a narrow 1-0 lead, nothing is set in stone. As Coach Tim Cone himself admitted, his team must step up its play to truly compete with the powerhouse that is San Miguel. The Beermen, wounded but far from out, are sure to return with renewed fire in Game 2.
With stakes rising and tempers likely to flare, fans are in for another riveting installment in this semifinal saga — one where every possession, every rebound, and every point could shift the series tide.