Brgy. Ginebra def TNT, 71-70 [Finals Game 2 | PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Mar. 16, 2025]

With a commanding victory in the series opener, the TNT Tropang Giga are poised to maintain their momentum and solidify their lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra is nursing their wounds and gearing up for a fierce comeback.

The stakes are high as TNT looks to extend their advantage, while Ginebra aims to level the series at one game apiece when they clash again on Sunday at the MOA Arena, with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m.

TNT’s standout, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ), acknowledges Ginebra’s relentless spirit, but he asserts that his team embodies a similar tenacity.

Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized that they must confront the challenges head-on. After a thoroughly disappointing performance in Game One, the Kings need to regroup—focusing on rebounding, scoring, and tightening their defense.

What many anticipated as a closely contested matchup turned into a rout, with RHJ wreaking havoc, nearly achieving a triple-double with 34 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists. This was complemented by TNT’s sharpshooters sinking 14-of-37 from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to Ginebra’s struggling 7-of-28.

Defensively, the Tropang Giga were relentless, holding the Kings to a mere 90 points, significantly below their average of 105 during the elimination and semi-final rounds.

RR Pogoy ignited the offense with five three-pointers, while Calvin Oftana, Kelly Williams, Rey Nambatac, and Glenn Khobuntin contributed with two triples each, showcasing a potent shooting display that overcame the absence of their key playmaker, Jayson Castro.

TNT’s blistering shooting set the tone for an early lead, and they demonstrated remarkable resilience, poise, and composure as they embarked on what could potentially be a championship journey to claim back-to-back titles in PBA Season 49.