Brgy. Ginebra def NorthPort, 119-106 [SF G2 | PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Feb. 28, 2025]

The pressure is firmly on NorthPort Batang Pier to validate their status as semifinal contenders, particularly in the quest for the top playoff seed. Coach Tim Cone holds firm in his belief that the Batang Pier are a legitimate threat, and his Barangay Ginebra squad is not taking them lightly.

Unfortunately, the Batang Pier fell short of expectations, at least in their opener of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup best-of-seven semifinal series against the experienced Gin Kings on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Could it have been the lengthy break that disrupted their rhythm? Were they caught off guard by the lull? Was it simply rustiness setting in?

Whatever the reason, Coach Bonnie Tan’s squad was ambushed, suffering a 115-93 defeat to a Ginebra team that many anticipated to be fatigued and unprepared.

Justin Brownlee and his teammates exhibited no signs of exhaustion following their intense grind with Gilas Pilipinas. Instead, they executed their game plan flawlessly, taking an early lead in the race-to-four series.

Now, the onus is on the Batang Pier to regroup and respond decisively after their Game One blowout. Game Two is slated for 5 p.m. this Friday at PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Was there a tactical oversight on NorthPort’s part that led them to underestimate the Kings’ capabilities?

For Cone, a significant factor was the meticulous preparation undertaken by his coaching staff back in Manila while he was busy with national duty for Gilas Pilipinas.

The Gilas squad fulfilled their obligations, and players like Abarrientos, Holt, and the rest of the Ginebra roster left no room for doubt, delivering a decisive blow to the Batang Pier despite Kadeem Jack’s impressive performance, which netted him 33 points and 12 rebounds.

Arvin Tolentino, a top contender for Best Player of the Conference, was effectively neutralized, managing merely eight points on a dismal 2-of-11 shooting performance.

Recognizing the opportunity, the Kings seized it without hesitation, positioning themselves for a commanding 2-0 series lead come Friday.

An explosive run in the third quarter even afforded the Ginebra core a chance to rest, allowing the bench to step in for cleanup duties.

This early reprieve may prove crucial, keeping the Kings fresh and ready to deliver another strong showing in Game Two.