Ginebra locks down TNT, moves one win away from title

Posted By on March 23, 2025

Barangay Ginebra moved within one win of reclaiming the PBA Commissioner’s Cup championship after delivering a stifling defensive performance in the second half of Game 5, securing a 73-66 victory over TNT on Sunday, March 23, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson took over down the stretch, combining to outscore the entire TNT squad 14-10 in the fourth quarter. The Kings’ defense held the Tropang Giga to just 21 points in the second half, the lowest output in this year’s finals.

The pivotal win gives Ginebra a 3-2 series lead, breaking the back-and-forth pattern of the finals. The Kings will have a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Wednesday at the same venue.

TNT starts strong, but Ginebra finishes stronger

TNT appeared in control early, building a 45-35 halftime lead behind the efforts of Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Rey Nambatac. The Tropang Giga maintained a 10-point cushion at 47-37 before Maverick Ahanmisi sparked a crucial 10-0 run, allowing Ginebra to tie the game at 47-all.

Justin Brownlee powers through TNT’s defense as Ginebra takes Game 5 of the PBA finals. [PBA Images]
Justin Brownlee powers through TNT’s defense as Ginebra takes Game 5 of the PBA finals. [PBA Images]

From there, both teams engaged in a seesaw battle, but TNT’s offense sputtered in the final four minutes and 25 seconds. The Kings capitalized on their defensive stops, with Thompson hitting back-to-back baskets to give Ginebra the lead, followed by consecutive buckets from Brownlee to seal the win.

Brownlee, Thompson lead the way

Despite playing through a right thumb injury, Brownlee led Ginebra with 18 points, 16 of which came in the first half. He added 14 rebounds and five assists while providing steady leadership on the floor.

Thompson delivered a clutch double-double, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Ahanmisi and Japeth Aguilar chipped in 11 points each, while Jamie Malonzo contributed six points and 10 boards.

For TNT, Hollis-Jefferson and Nambatac scored 19 points apiece, but their efforts were not enough to overcome Ginebra’s second-half dominance.

Scottie Thompson delivers in the clutch to push Ginebra one win away from the title. [PBA Images]
Scottie Thompson delivers in the clutch to push Ginebra one win away from the title. [PBA Images]

Game 6: Ginebra eyes the crown

With momentum on their side, Ginebra will look to finish the job in Game 6 and capture their first Commissioner’s Cup title since their dramatic win over the Bay Area Dragons in 2023. Meanwhile, TNT faces a do-or-die situation, needing a victory to force a deciding Game 7.

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