Brgy. Ginebra def Meralco, 91-87 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Jan. 29, 2025]

Meralco is back in pursuit of the top spot in a pivotal PBA Commissioner’s Cup showdown against Barangay Ginebra, a team eager to gain momentum heading into the playoffs.

Coach Luigi Trillo and the Bolts currently hold third place but can leapfrog to the summit with a clean sweep of their final two contests against the Gin Kings and the Magnolia Hotshots, securing a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The highly anticipated clash is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A victory for the Bolts would not only bring them level with the TNT Tropang Giga at 8-3 but also place them just a half-game shy of the Batang Pier, who concluded the elimination round at 9-3.

However, the Kings will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge as they aim to finish their elimination campaign on a high note.

Securing a spot in the Top Six, Ginebra is eager to build positive momentum as they prepare for the postseason. There remains a slim possibility for the Kings to find themselves in a tie at second place, with any deadlocks settled by the quotient tiebreak.

Meralco enters this matchup fresh off a lengthy break, riding high on a three-game winning streak, including a 100-93 triumph over the San Miguel Beermen in a road encounter in Candon, Ilocos Sur on January 18.

Prior to that victory, Akil Mitchell and his squad decisively bested the Terrafirma Dyip, 105-91, and the NorthPort Batang Pier, 111-94. That seven-point victory over the Batang Pier could prove critical if the Bolts end up locked at 9-3.

On the other side, the Kings are looking to capitalize on their recent momentum following a decisive 120-92 drubbing of the Elasto Painters, which secured Ginebra’s place in the quarterfinals.