Misfiring Gin Kings fall to Tropang Giga in Finals opener

TNT stormed out of the gates with a stunning performance, clinching a wire-to-wire victory over Barangay Ginebra, 104-88, in Game One of the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup Finals on Sunday at the bustling Ynares Center.

The Tropang Giga launched Game One with an explosive 19-4 lead, refusing to relent as they consistently sank outside shots to extend their advantage until the final buzzer, marking an almost flawless beginning to the best-of-seven championship series.

Game Two is set for Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Key contributors to TNT’s triumph included Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, Poy Erram, and Jayson Castro, while their defense proved equally formidable, limiting Ginebra to 18 points below their average for the conference.

The Gin Kings struggled from the outset, failing to find their rhythm. Despite being the league leader in three-point shooting percentage, they recorded a dismal 0-of-18 from beyond the arc in the first three quarters, much to the disappointment of the largest crowd ever to witness a PBA game at the Antipolo venue.

TNT’s relentless defense confined Ginebra to a mere 2-of-21 shooting from three-point territory, resulting in the Kings posting their lowest point total in these playoffs. The Tropang Giga stretched their lead to as much as 20 points, holding a commanding 89-69 advantage at one point.

Hollis-Jefferson registered 19 points, his lowest scoring tally of the playoffs, but still made significant contributions in other areas, collecting 10 rebounds, four assists, one steal, and three blocks.

Rey Nambatac, making his finals debut, impressed with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, including a crucial 12 points in the final quarter to help preserve TNT’s substantial lead.

Erram chipped in with 15 points, while Castro displayed vintage form, scoring 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter, most of which came against Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos, as the Tropang Giga entered the fourth quarter with a 72-62 advantage.

Justin Brownlee led Ginebra with 23 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, but struggled with his shooting, going 1-of-5 from long range and 0-of-2 from three. Japeth Aguilar contributed 14 points and six rebounds, while Ralph Cu added 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists for the Gin Kings.

The scores:

TNT 102 – Hollis-Jefferson 19, Nambatac 18, Erram 15, Castro 14, Pogoy 12, Oftana 9, Aurin 8, Khobuntin 5, Williams 2, Heruela 2, Galinato 0, Payawal 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 88 – Brownlee 23, J. Aguilar 14, Cu 13, Holt 12, Ahanmisi 10, Thompson 7, Abarrientos 5, Pinto 2, Tenorio 2, Mariano 0, Pessumal 0, Adamos 0.

Quarterscores: 27-15, 43-22, 72-62, 104-88.

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