Brgy. Ginebra def NorthPort, 127-100 [SF G3 | PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Mar. 2, 2025]
Brgy. Ginebra is on the hunt, and it’s now up to NorthPort to respond—or risk being swept in a 3-0 series by Sunday’s end.
This pivotal matchup promises high stakes, as the Kings stand poised to break the series wide open, while the Batang Pier desperately aim to halt their downward spiral and claw back into contention at 1-2.
The pressure weighs heavily on Coach Bonnie Tan’s squad, whose earlier triumphs from a strong elimination-round finish seem overshadowed by their struggles and setbacks in the first two games of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
The two teams gear up for Game Three, set to unfold at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
So far, the Batang Pier have only shown fight during the first half of this semifinal series.
The Kings have dictated terms, completely dominating the latter stages of both games—a stunning 115-93 victory on Wednesday followed by an even more convincing 119-96 blowout on Friday.
Coach Tim Cone’s troops are eager to capitalize on this momentum, adhering to their prescribed team rules and, crucially, the discipline that has underpinned their success.
Leading the charge in discipline is Stephen Holt, who has delivered a standout defensive performance against Arvin Tolentino, effectively disrupting NorthPort’s rhythm.
Tolentino, a frontrunner for Best Player of the Conference, has seen his fire dimmed in these semifinals, stifled by Holt’s tenacious defense.
Once the scoring champion during the elimination rounds, Tolentino’s production has plummeted to an average of just 10 points in the semifinals, all while struggling with a dismal shooting percentage of 7-of-28.
Ginebra’s defensive strategy has proven effective, not only curtailing Tolentino’s impact but also limiting contributions from Kadeem Jack and Johua Munzon.
However, Cone remains wary, expecting NorthPort to eventually rediscover its groove. He emphasized the necessity for his team to stay vigilant and prepared for that resurgence.
