Action between Ginebra and TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, October 15, 2025 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Media
MANILA (UPDATED) -- Barangay Ginebra redeemed its opening day loss in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup with a dominant victory over the TNT Tropang 5G, 92-77, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
A blistering 18-0 run in the first quarter allowed the Gin Kings to build a 33-16 lead, and they never let up.
Ginebra kept the massive lead until the third quarter, denying their opponents any chance to cut the deficit to a single digit.
Simon Enciso tried to spark a comeback for TNT, draining five triples and a layup in the final frame. But the double digit lead proved to be too much for the Tropang 5G to overcome.
Big man Japeth Aguilar powered the Gin Kings with a double double of 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Troy Rosario added 13 markers and 13 boards.
RJ Abarrientos pitched in 14 points, while Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt and Norbert Torres contributed 10 points each.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said the 10-day break ahead of the TNT clash helped the Gin Kings.
"Last game against Magnolia, obviously we weren’t clicking at all in that game. Tonight, we were obviously clicking from all cylinders. I think the big difference was that break that we had," he said during the post-game press conference.
"We were the last team back from practice because of the Gilas that was going on so guys like Japeth and Scottie and then our coaching staff was with LA Tenorio in Mongolia (for Gilas Pilipinas Youth). We gave them extra time off. We were really not a full team through most of our preparation before our first game. This last week, we really got down to business and the guys got a better understanding of how we wanted to play," Cone explained.
The Ginebra mentor lauded the team for holding the fort when Enciso caught fire in the final frame.
"Simon just started knocking shots from everywhere and that put a lot of pressure on us. We had to continually respond from that hot streak and I thought our guys did a great job tonight," he said.
"Credit to our defense tonight I thought we defended really well and hopefully we can carry that forward," Cone added.
Enciso tallied 17 points including five triples, while Ferrer added 11 markers and 8 rebounds in a losing effort.
Ginebra will clash with the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the same venue.
TNT aims to return to its winning ways when it faces the Converge FiberXers on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.