MANILA, Philippines – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel is now just one win away from clinching a finals berth after overpowering NorthPort Batang Pier, 127-100, to seize a comfortable 3-0 series lead in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.
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| "Aging like fine wine." Japeth Aguilar dazzled once again, delivering back-to-back standout performances to help Ginebra secure a commanding 3-0 series lead against NorthPort. Photo Credit: PBA.ph |
With another loss in the series, NorthPort Batang Pier will find themselves on the brink of elimination, losing any potential edge against the crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Determined to bounce back from their Game 2 defeat, NorthPort came out strong and kept the game tight in the opening quarter of Game 3.
Unlike the previous matchup, Justin Brownlee shook off his struggles and came out aggressive, displaying renewed energy. In just a quarter and a half, Ginebra’s super import had already reached double figures, joined by Jamie Malonzo in leading the offensive charge.
Just like Brownlee, NorthPort’s import Kadeem Jack delivered a strong performance, matching his counterpart’s first-half output of 17 points. However, with little support from his local teammates, Jack found it difficult to keep pace, allowing Ginebra to take full control and head into halftime with a commanding 64-40 lead.
Entering the third period, the Gin Kings picked up right where they left off, asserting even greater authority. With five players already in double figures, they intensified their offensive onslaught, further compounding NorthPort’s growing problems.
Aside from Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar set his sights on replicating his monstrous 31-point performance from Game 2. The high-flying big man had already racked up 17 points with one more quarter left to play.
With Ginebra’s lead ballooning to 30 late in the third quarter, Coach Tim Cone opted to rest his prized import, bringing in his second-stringers to manage their cozy advantage.
Even with the Gin Kings’ reserves taking over in the fourth quarter, Coach Bonnie Tan and his squad remained at a loss for answers to Ginebra’s relentless offense. In fact, the supporting cast showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to dismantle NorthPort with precision on both ends of the floor.
Midway through the final quarter, Coach Tan conceded defeat early, pulling out his starters and allowing his backup unit to finish the game.
In the end, Barangay Ginebra secured their third straight victory, 127-100, leaving NorthPort with a do-or-die situation. Now just one win away, the Gin Kings inch closer to punching their ticket to the highly coveted finals.
Prior to the main event, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters finally broke through in the semifinals, securing their well-earned first win of the series with a hard-fought 103-98 victory over their previous tormentor, TNT Tropang Giga.
It was déjà vu in reverse as the Elasto Painters controlled the first three quarters of Game 3. Deon Thompson, Caelan Tiongson, and Adrian Nocum took charge, combining for 53 points and spearheading ROS’s dominance.
The trio’s relentless offensive execution left Coach Chot Reyes searching for answers, as even Rondae Hollis-Jefferson failed to contain their momentum.
Aside from Rain or Shine’s unstoppable triad, Coach Yeng Guiao also took advantage of the absence of Jayson Castro, Tropang Giga’s veteran court general, who was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury he sustained in Game 2.
Despite a slow start, Hollis-Jefferson found his rhythm in the fourth, leading a late TNT surge that briefly put them ahead. However, his 34-point effort came just a little too late, as Rain or Shine held firm to extend the series, with a 103-98 win and cutting TNT’s lead to 2-1.
Game 5 for all teams will be on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
— Joey Boy Capos, The Summit Express
