Ginebra denies late Converge burst, secures PBA semis ticket

𝗩𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗱𝗮

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings foiled Converge FiberXers’ comeback attempt after eking out an 88-80 nail-biter to secure the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals trip at the PhilSports Arena, yesterday.

Ginebra dialed back their aggression just in time to halt Converge’s 17-8 charge with 1:29 left on the clock, securing a semis showdown vs. long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen.

“Coming off the break, we got San Miguel. So, it doesn't get any easier,” said Cone.

RJ Abarrientos led the team’s scoring with 21 points, while Japeth Aguilar slotted in a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds.

As Converge surged with a 17–8 run in the fourth, Ginebra neutralized the rally by deliberately slowing down their offensive pace and forcing the former to play against a set defense—shutting the door on what could’ve been a dramatic upset.

Ginebra took control in the third quarter by using a small-ball lineup that gave RJ Abarrientos more space to create and Japeth Aguilar room to anchor the defense, outscoring Converge 24–18.

The red-clad hoopers shrugged off the slow first quarter and answered with a 14–3 run midway through the second period, tightening their defense and controlling the rebounds to claim the canto, 28–15.

Converge set the early tone with active defense and fast-paced offense, catching Ginebra flat-footed to take the 26-21 curtain-opener in the FiberXers’ favor.

However, the strong start and late surge proved insufficient as Converge faltered against Ginebra’s controlled tempo and playoff poise, losing grip of their semi-finals hope.

Ginebra will now face the San Miguel Beermen in a best-of-seven Philippine Cup semifinals series, which is set to begin today at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.