A Rematch with New Stakes
Nearly two months after their intense semifinals duel in the Commissioner’s Cup, Barangay Ginebra and NorthPort Batang Pier are set to meet again — this time under different circumstances. Their latest faceoff comes as both teams seek to recover from disappointing losses and regain their competitive rhythm in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup.
Ginebra, coming off a lopsided 93-104 defeat to San Miguel Beer, and NorthPort, still reeling from back-to-back blowout losses to Rain or Shine (96-113) and Blackwater (98-120), are both in a rebuilding phase as they look to shake off early rust and establish momentum in the season’s most prestigious conference.
Slow Starts and Missing Stars
Entering the match at 1-1, the Gin Kings hope to bounce back after a shaky start that exposed some lingering offseason rust. NorthPort, at 1-2, is in a similar situation but faces a steeper challenge following the absence of their import, Kadeem Jack, who played a pivotal role in their surprising 9-3 run during the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
This game, however, presents a different dynamic from their previous clash. For Ginebra, the absence of naturalized star Justin Brownlee, who was a major force in their semifinal win over NorthPort, changes the complexion of their offense and overall identity. For the Batang Pier, the loss of Jack leaves a noticeable void, particularly in their frontcourt presence and leadership.
Early Glimpses and Setbacks
NorthPort showed early promise in their Philippine Cup opener, dismantling Terrafirma Dyip 97-75. But that strong start quickly faded as they suffered heavy losses in their next two games, revealing inconsistencies in both offense and defense without their former key pieces.
Ginebra, on the other hand, also started with a convincing 101-80 win over Terrafirma, only to stumble against a more cohesive and in-rhythm San Miguel squad. Coach Tim Cone wasn’t surprised by the loss, pointing to the team’s late entry into the conference as a key factor.
Coach Cone’s Insight on Timing and Rhythm
Cone offered a candid assessment of the team’s slow start. “The problem with coming late into the conference is you’re not as sharp as some of the other teams,” he explained. While the extended break allowed players to rest physically, it also meant less time to adjust to the pace and strategies already being refined by other squads.
“When you get back, the games come a lot faster, and you’ve got to make up that time,” Cone added. “You’re playing teams who have a rhythm already and made some adjustments to their game, to the rotations. And we haven’t been able to do that.”
What’s at Stake
With both teams in early-season limbo, their Wednesday clash at the PhilSports Arena becomes more than just a rematch — it’s a litmus test for their resilience, adaptability, and readiness to compete in a conference that demands top-level play without imports.
For Arvin Tolentino and the rest of the NorthPort squad, stepping up in the absence of Jack is a daunting challenge. Meanwhile, Ginebra, led by its veteran core, will need to find chemistry quickly if they are to contend once again.
As two playoff-caliber teams battle to shake off early setbacks, fans can expect a gritty, hard-fought encounter that may set the tone for the rest of their Philippine Cup campaigns. While the names on the roster have changed, the stakes remain high — and redemption is very much on the line.