WATCH: Interview with Best Player Troy Rosario and Coach Tim Cone [Feb. 26, 2025]

Brgy. Ginebra delivered a commanding performance, defeating the top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier 115-93 in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite the challenges of fatigue and a hectic schedule, the Gin Kings showcased their depth, resilience, and trademark “Never-Say-Die” spirit to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Coming off a grueling stretch with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, Ginebra’s core players—Justin Brownlee, Troy Rosario, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo—could have been excused for showing signs of weariness. Instead, they rose to the occasion, proving their mettle against a NorthPort team that had dominated the elimination round with a 9-3 record.

Coach Tim Cone, also fresh from national team duties, masterfully guided his squad to a wire-to-wire victory, highlighted by a dominant 32-14 third-quarter run that broke the game wide open.

Brownlee led the charge with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists in just 32 minutes, displaying his efficiency and leadership. Troy Rosario, rested from the latest Gilas window due to a knee injury, contributed 16 points and eight rebounds, while RJ Abarrientos added 15 points, six rebounds, and seven assists in an all-around effort.

Ginebra’s depth shone through, with 11 players scoring, including notable contributions from Jamie Malonzo (14 points) and Japeth Aguilar (11 points).

NorthPort, despite a valiant effort from import Kadeem Jack, who tallied 33 points and 12 rebounds, struggled to keep pace. Their stars, Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon, were stifled by Ginebra’s suffocating defense, managing just eight and ten points, respectively, on poor shooting nights.

The Batang Pier’s usually potent offense, which had averaged over 100 points in the eliminations, was held in check, shooting a dismal 7-of-25 from beyond the arc.