Ginebra sobers up San Miguel, notches 1-0 PBA QF lead

The Ginebra Gin Kings took a much-needed head start in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals after nipping the San Miguel Beermen in Game 1, 104-95, on Oct. 27, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The sister teams traded blows in a classic, physical first half as the import duel between Ginebra’s Jordan Murphy and San Miguel’s George King set the tone.

Murphy starred for Ginebra with his tremendous defense against June Mar Fajardo, while King made up for the nine-time PBA MVP’s offensive struggles with a much-needed scoring punch.

After the first 24 minutes of action, the Gin Kings secured a narrow four-point lead, 52-48, but the Beermen quickly trimmed their deficit through the resurgence of star guard CJ Perez.

Despite a poor shooting performance in the first half, Perez didn’t hesitate to pull the trigger whenever he got open, helping San Miguel tie the game at 64-all.

Just when the Beermen thought they could rely on Perez’s heroics, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone spoiled San Miguel’s ongoing party by inserting Isaac Go, who became a vital piece during the Gin Kings’ demoralizing 18-5 run.

Go, a well-known floor spacer with his ability to knock down 3-pointers consistently, continued to compound Fajardo’s woes as the San Miguel center, aside from failing to rekindle his offensive touch, was also exposed defensively.

With Fajardo taken out of his comfort zone, Go made San Miguel pay by burying three much-needed trifectas and making the most of his playing time.

Ginebra slowly strangled San Miguel with its disciplined triangle offense and delivered an early exclamation point at the 7:10 mark after ballooning its lead to 20 points, 94-74.

Murphy was a man on a mission, leading the Gin Kings with a dominant double-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and four blocks.

Scottie Thompson contributed his usual all-around effort, delivering a near triple-double of 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while RJ Abarrientos chipped in 16 points and six dimes.

On the other hand, Perez and Don Trollano shouldered most of San Miguel’s scoring load, combining for 42 points, while Ginebra’s brilliant defensive strategy against Fajardo limited him to just three points.