Ginebra Turns Defense Into a Weapon as San Miguel’s Star Power Goes Cold

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Ginebra won with work, not star power. The Gin Kings, the last team into the playoffs, turned the game into a low-scoring grind and beat San Miguel, 104-95, in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals opener Tuesday, October 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win gives Ginebra a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series. It held a Beermen side that averaged 121 points in the eliminations to under 100, and June Mar Fajardo was limited to just three points.

Jordan Murphy scored 29 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to lead Ginebra past San Miguel in his PBA playoff debut. [photo credit: Peter Baltazar]

Defense Smothers San Miguel’s Stars

Ginebra imposed its pace from the start, knowing a 1-0 lead can set the momentum in a short series. It then went for the kill with an 18-4 run to open the fourth quarter, turning a 76-70 edge into a double-digit cushion.

Isaac Go held his own against Fajardo while adding 14 points on the other end. San Miguel import George King, making his playoff debut, was held to 20 points on 9-of-20 shooting.

Murphy Delivers in Playoff Debut

Import Jordan Murphy made his own playoff debut felt with a double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds. Scottie Thompson added 17 points and RJ Abarrientos 16.

“We really outworked them,” said assistant coach Richard Del Rosario. Ginebra wanted a low-scoring, defensive battle and defended Fajardo “by committee,” with Japeth Aguilar, Go and Norbert Torres all taking turns.

Ginebra now needs two more wins to advance. San Miguel must rediscover its scoring touch to bounce back.