Ginebra Eyes Another Quarterfinal Win Over Converge: A High-Stakes Rematch in the Making

A Dominant Win Revisited

Barangay Ginebra enters its quarterfinal clash with Converge riding the confidence of a previous 19-point blowout victory. Their last encounter, held on May 10 in San Fernando, Pampanga, saw the Gin Kings deliver a commanding performance, dominating the FiberXers from start to finish. Despite the lopsided result, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone remains cautious, emphasizing that past results don’t guarantee future outcomes—especially in the unpredictable world of playoff basketball.

Focused on the Task Ahead

Rather than getting distracted by the possibility of earning a twice-to-beat advantage, Cone is laser-focused on the immediate goal: winning the next game. “Bottomline is we’re just going to prepare ourselves and try to go out and just win one game,” Cone said. “We’re not thinking about twice-to-beat. We’re just thinking about one game and winning that.”

Cone’s pragmatic mindset highlights the gravity of the situation. A loss could potentially set the stage for a sudden-death showdown on Wednesday—something the Kings would prefer to avoid at all costs.

A Clash of Big Men

Much of the attention going into the rematch centers on the frontcourt battle, particularly the matchup between Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar and Converge’s twin towers—Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana. The two FiberXers big men played a crucial role in Converge securing a fifth-place finish in the elimination round, and their inside presence remains a significant threat.

Aguilar, however, has proven he’s up to the challenge. In their previous meeting, the veteran center/forward put on an inspired performance in front of his hometown crowd, dropping 23 points and hauling in 10 rebounds to lead the charge. His energy and leadership helped Ginebra neutralize Converge’s interior advantage, which will once again be a key factor in the rematch.

Momentum on Both Sides

Both teams enter the quarterfinals riding waves of momentum. Ginebra is fresh off an impressive three-game win streak, defeating powerhouse teams like Magnolia (85-81), TNT (97-78), and Rain or Shine (98-80). These victories have not only boosted the team’s confidence but also sharpened their chemistry as they head into the playoffs.

Converge, on the other hand, is not to be underestimated. The FiberXers ended their elimination campaign with solid wins over Terrafirma (117-103) and San Miguel Beer (100-97), showcasing their ability to compete with top-tier squads. This makes them a dangerous opponent capable of pulling off an upset if given the chance.

Key Supporting Cast

While Aguilar played the starring role in their previous encounter, he wasn’t alone in powering Ginebra’s dominant win. Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Stephen Holt each contributed double-digit points, ensuring that the offense didn’t rely solely on one player. This balanced scoring attack will be crucial again as the Kings aim to spread the floor and keep Converge’s defense guessing.

On the other side, Baltazar managed a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds in the loss, but Converge as a whole struggled to find rhythm. For the FiberXers to have a fighting chance, they’ll need stronger contributions across the board and better execution on both ends of the floor.

High Stakes, Higher Intensity

With everything on the line, fans can expect a fierce and physical matchup when these two teams collide again. Ginebra may have won the first battle convincingly, but Converge has shown it can rise to the occasion. Whether the Kings can repeat their dominance or the FiberXers force a sudden-death rubber match, one thing is certain: this quarterfinal showdown will be a test of grit, strategy, and composure.