Ginebra crushes TNT for first PBA PHL Cup win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel entered the winning column of the PBA Philippine Cup after dismantling the TNT Tropang 5G, 92–77, on Oct. 15, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After a lackluster opening campaign against the Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados, the Gin Kings responded with the much-needed urgency to avoid a disappointing 0–2 start in the conference they dominated for years.

However, standing in their way were their archrivals from TNT, the franchise that dealt them consecutive heartbreaks during the past PBA Commissioner’s Cup conferences.

It was all about the mental aspect for Ginebra, and one thing they always have to hurdle in going up against the Tropang 5G is their need to start strong in order to finish strong.

From the get-go, Ginebra quickly received the memo after blitzing their way to a scorching hot start, capping off the first 12 minutes of action with a comfortable 17-point lead, 33–16.

A balanced offensive effort steered the Gin Kings’ perfect start, sparked by Scottie Thompson’s early hustle plays supported by Troy Rosario and Japeth Aguilar, who imposed their will in the shaded lane.

TNT tried to disrupt Ginebra’s rhythm by switching to a filled zone defensive scheme, but the rolling Gin Kings negated any adjustment after knocking down some shots from the three-point line.

Midway through the second frame, Ginebra blew the game wide open with a 40–16 advantage, forcing TNT head coach Chot Reyes to call a series of emergency timeouts.

Ginebra continued its mastery in the second half, protecting its double-digit lead through flawlessly executed offensive plays led by RJ Abarrientos, who found his stroke in the third quarter.

The Tropang 5G attempted to spoil Ginebra’s game at the start of the fourth after Simon Enciso buried three consecutive treys, followed by an RR Pogoy layup that pulled TNT to within 11 points, 73–62.

After a cold stretch, Ginebra received timely baskets from Stephen Holt and Aguilar, who joined hands to balloon the Gin Kings’ cushion back to 15 points, 80–65.

Unfortunately for TNT, their waxing-hot shooting came to an end in the final four minutes of the ballgame as Enciso, Pogoy, and Calvin Oftana were contained offensively.

Aguilar turned back the hands of time and led Ginebra with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Abarrientos chipped in 14 markers.

Rosario, who backstopped Aguilar during Ginebra’s hot start in the first frame, finished the massive win with a double-double outing of 13 points and 13 rebounds.