WATCH: Interview with Best Player Christian Standhardinger and Coach Tim Cone [May 26, 2024]

Barangay Ginebra is a step away from a PBA Philippine Cup Last Dance with titleholder San Miguel Beer.

Christian Standhardinger was deadly in his sweet spots and connected even from afar in another monstrous double-double outing as the Gin Kings took Game 5, 89-84, and the pivotal 3-2 lead versus the Meralco Bolts in their best-of-seven semifinal showdown.

In a cold Sunday night, Maverick Ahanmisi, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson had their own hot moments, helping Ginebra move within a win of a ninth all-Filipino finals stint.

A win in Game 6 Wednesday at the Big Dome or in Game 7, if necessary, in San Jose, Batangas will pit the Kings and the Beermen in a fourth clash in Philippine Cup finals. San Miguel enjoys the 2-1 edge in their previous titular face-offs in the league’s premier tourney.

Standhardinger erupted for 34 points on top of 10 rebounds and five assists against three turnovers. He banged away crucial shots from 10 feet away in helping the Kings complete a steal in a game where they trailed by as many as 15 in the third.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone deflected the credit to Standhardinger and his teammates for their tough, tough stand to beat the Bolts in a grind-out battle.

The Kings played catch-up basketball for the most part until they seized the lead at 80-79 on a Standhardinger 10-footer with 6:10 left.

From there, Aguilar and Thompson joined the prey as the Kings outfought the Bolts in the crunch, scoring a follow-up to their 90-71 win Friday and thus gaining a virtual twice-to-beat edge going to the next game.