Ginebra Eliminates Rain or Shine, Books Return Trip to PBA Finals

Experience and poise under pressure carried Barangay Ginebra San Miguel back to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup Finals after defeating Rain or Shine, 118-107, in Game 6 of their semifinal series on Sunday at the Ynares Center.

Fueled by a packed crowd, the Kings took early control behind a strong second-quarter run, then withstood a determined third-quarter push from the Elasto Painters before closing out the series in the final stretch to avoid a Game 7.

With the game still in the balance late, Justin Brownlee delivered a key three-pointer that pushed Ginebra’s lead to double digits with just over three minutes remaining. From there, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, and Japeth Aguilar each came up with timely baskets to seal the victory.

Head coach Tim Cone said his team was determined not to let the series extend to a deciding game.

“We didn’t want to face a Game 7 against a Yeng Guiao-coached team,” Cone said. “We put everything into this game because we knew how dangerous it could get if it went the distance.”

Brownlee led the way with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and five assists, while Abarrientos matched him with 30 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Thompson added 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists, and Ralph Cu provided another spark off the bench with 11 points, including three triples.

Cone also highlighted the composure of his key players, noting how Brownlee and Abarrientos attacked the game with urgency instead of pacing themselves for a potential Game 7.

“We’re in the Finals. That was the goal,” Cone said. “They came out with urgency, and it showed.”

Rain or Shine saw its spirited playoff run come to an end despite a strong fightback after trailing by as many as 17 points. The Elasto Painters trimmed the gap to two, 96-94, early in the fourth quarter, but Ginebra repeatedly answered every challenge.

Jaylen Johnson led Rain or Shine with 27 points and 14 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac added 25 points in a valiant effort. Adrian Nocum contributed 16 points, Caelan Tiongson had 12, and Anton Asistio added 10.

However, Ginebra’s defense tightened in the closing minutes, holding key scorer Jhonard Clarito to just six points as the Kings finally pulled away to secure their Finals return.