Holt buries overtime buzzer-beater as Ginebra edges Converge, advances to semis

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Barangay Ginebra needed every second of overtime to survive Converge FiberXers, pulling out a dramatic 99-98 victory to book a semifinal ticket in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, December 28, at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Stephen Holt emerged as the unlikely hero, knocking down a three-pointer at the horn to seal the Gin Kings’ escape after a chaotic final possession.

The winning sequence unfolded after Troy Rosario inbounded the ball, which briefly swung to RJ Abarrientos before finding Holt again beyond the arc. Holt calmly rose and fired as time expired, silencing the Converge bench and igniting the Ginebra crowd.

Holt’s numbers were modest but timely, finishing with nine points on 2-of-8 shooting from deep. He also contributed eight rebounds and four assists while logging 41 hard-earned minutes.

One shot. One moment. Stephen Holt delivers as Ginebra books a semifinal showdown with San Miguel. [PBA Images]

Late-game drama swings Ginebra’s way

Rosario set the stage moments earlier by burying a crucial triple that pulled Ginebra within a single point during the dying seconds of overtime. Converge had a chance to regain control, but Justine Baltazar split his free throws after being fouled, opening the door for the Gin Kings.

That missed opportunity proved costly as Ginebra executed its final play to perfection, ending Converge’s season in heartbreaking fashion.

Abarrientos led Ginebra’s scoring attack with 20 points despite an inefficient shooting night. Scottie Thompson and Jayson David added 13 points apiece, while Rosario supplied 12 markers to complement his late-game heroics.

FiberXers fall short despite big nights

Juan Gomez de Liano carried the offensive load for Converge with 25 points, along with five rebounds and two assists. Archie Concepcion provided steady support with 18 points, while Justin Arana posted a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite controlling stretches of the game, Converge was unable to deliver the final stop when it mattered most.

With the win, Ginebra moves on to face San Miguel Beer in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, renewing one of the league’s most storied rivalries with a Finals berth on the line.