MANILA – Barangay Ginebra put an end to its long struggle against TNT, defeating the Tropang 5G, 88-76, in a decisive Game 7 to capture the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup championship on Wednesday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The win was especially meaningful for the Gin Kings, who had fallen to TNT in three previous finals series across recent seasons, turning their long-running rivalry into a frustrating stretch of defeats before finally breaking through.
Ginebra last celebrated a title in 2023, when it defeated Bay Area in a historic Game 7 witnessed by a massive crowd at the Philippine Arena.
This time, the crowd of 24,617 at MOA Arena witnessed a different ending, as the Gin Kings pulled away in the second half after trailing 49-47 at the break. A strong 48-29 finishing run sealed the championship.
Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the biggest stage, scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, with 16 of those points coming in the second half. His performance capped off a dominant Finals run that included 54 points in Game 5 and 52 in Game 6.
“Those fans gave us everything we needed,” Brownlee said. “TNT pushed us hard, but we kept believing this was our moment.”
He added that confidence within the team never wavered, pointing to coach Tim Cone’s repeated reminder that “this is our time.”
The victory gave Brownlee his seventh PBA title, a milestone he described with gratitude as he continues to compete at age 38.
Scottie Thompson also stepped up with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists, earning Finals MVP honors from the PBA Press Corps.
Thompson admitted the award carried deep emotion, calling it one of the most unexpected achievements of his career.
RJ Abarrientos chipped in 13 points as he secured his first championship in the league.
TNT was paced by Chris McCullough’s 28 points, while Jordan Heading added 21 and RR Pogoy contributed 15 in the losing effort.
Final score: Ginebra 88 — Brownlee 30, Thompson 19, Abarrientos 13, Rosario 13, Aguilar 7, Pinto 6, Gray 0, Holt 0, Cu 0. TNT 76 — McCullough 28, Heading 21, Pogoy 15, Oftana 5, Aurin 4, Nambatac 3, Galinato 0, Khobuntin 0, Williams 0.
Quarter scores: 18-16, 40-47, 68-63, 88-76.
elamigo/xf
