Brgy. Ginebra def NorthPort, 126-99 [SF Game 5 | PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Mar. 7, 2025]

After narrowly missing a sweep, Brgy. Ginebra is now strategizing for the quickest path to the finals.

Having stumbled on their tracks Wednesday, the Gin Kings have returned to the drawing board with renewed determination to seal the deal, fully aware of the perils that come with the possibility of extending the series any further.

Coach Tim Cone’s squad is poised for a swift rebound from their 108-103 defeat, aiming for a 4-1 clincher against the NorthPort Batang Pier, while the TNT Tropang Giga looks to do the same against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the other semifinal matchup of this PBA Commissioner’s Cup Final Four.

Game Five is scheduled for Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Batang Pier are expected to bring a burst of renewed energy and hope after finally breaking through against the Kings in their last encounter.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.

Arvin Tolentino acknowledged that beating Ginebra four times in a row is a tall order, but he insisted it’s not out of the question.

“It’s up to us to find a way,” he stated.

The NorthPort coaching staff emphasizes that their success hinges on solid defense.

Kadeem Jack and his teammates demonstrated this in Game Four, holding the Gin Kings to just 103 points after allowing them to average over 120 in the first three games of the series.

With their defensive stands came crucial transition buckets, as Jack received significant support from Tolentino, William Navarro, Joshua Munzon, and the Game Four standout, Paolo Taha, who provided a “Magic Bunot” when it mattered most.

But rest assured, the Gin Kings have taken notice.

They’ve been in these situations countless times and are seasoned warriors who won’t easily be rattled by a minor setback.