WATCH: Interview with Best Player Scottie Thompson and Coach Tim Cone [Dec. 22, 2023]

Brgy. Ginebra pounced on a slight opening found on Zach Lofton’s three-minute sit-out after a flagrant foul, pulling away en route to a 110-96 win over Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.

Clipping Lofton, the Gin Kings broke away from a close 53-50 count at the start of the second half and scored the crucial victory that forged a tie between Ginebra and idle San Miguel Beer at fourth place at 5-3.

Ending a two-game slide, coach Tim Cone and his troops seek to get going and push their playoff bid as they tangle with the TNT Tropang Giga in the mainer of the ArenaPlus Christmas Day double-header.

“Twice-to-beat in the quarters is a huge advantage, and we want to be in the Top 4 to get that,” said Cone, hinting at his team going all out in their face-off with the Tropang Giga.

They primed themselves for that Christmas Day tiff with the win over the Bolts churned out with a big boost from returning ace combo guard Scottie Thompson.

Cone also mentioned his chargers challenged by Meralco being on a good run.

“The guys were challenged to come out tonight,” said Cone of the sterling, massive effort they put in to stop the Bolts’ four-game romp.