Ginebra Snaps Skid, Defeats NLEX 104–74 in PBA Philippine Cup
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel finally snapped its slump in emphatic fashion, routing the NLEX Road Warriors, 104–74, in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Gin Kings came out firing and never looked back, seizing control with a 26–9 start in the first quarter and maintaining their dominance throughout. The win ended their two-game losing streak — including last week’s heartbreaking 83–81 loss to San Miguel Beer in Dubai — and improved their record to 2–3.
Veteran big man Japeth Aguilar led the charge with 25 points and five rebounds, scoring 13 in the third quarter alone to stop an NLEX rally that briefly trimmed Ginebra’s lead to just three, 48–45. The former Finals MVP shot an efficient 11-of-16 from the field and earned Player of the Game honors.
Stephen Holt complemented him with 20 points, 10 of which came in the opening period that set the tone for Ginebra’s wire-to-wire victory. Holt also added four assists, three rebounds, and three steals while anchoring the team’s defensive effort against NLEX’s key players.
Scottie Thompson turned in an all-around performance with 12 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds, while Troy Rosario hauled down 11 boards as 12 Ginebra players contributed to the scoring column.
The Gin Kings’ offensive efficiency was on full display, shooting 52% from the field — a sharp improvement from their cold 32% shooting night in Dubai. Defensively, Holt and company clamped down on NLEX stars JB Bahio and Robert Bolick, holding them to just 12 combined points.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
The loss ended NLEX’s three-game winning streak, dropping the Road Warriors to 4–2 and denying them a chance to take solo leadership in the standings.
Xyrus Torres led NLEX with 17 points, while Jonnel Policarpio added 13 points and five rebounds. Domdom Fajardo chipped in 10 points and nine boards, but the Road Warriors struggled mightily from the field, shooting only 38% overall.
The victory marked a statement rebound for the Gin Kings, who endured a tough start to the conference facing all three MVP Group teams and their SMC sister squads.
Ginebra will look to build on this momentum when it faces the Titan Ultra Giant Risers on Sunday, November 9, while NLEX aims to regroup against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Saturday, November 8.
The Scores:
Ginebra 104 – J. Aguilar 25, Holt 20, Thompson 12, Gray 9, Rosario 9, Cu 7, Abarrientos 4, Estil 4, Torres 4, R. Aguilar 4, Pinto 4, David 2.
NLEX 74 – Torres 17, Policarpio 13, Fajardo 10, Capulong 9, Bahio 8, Alas 7, Bolick 4, Mocon 4, Ramirez 2, Valdez 0, Rodger 0, Nieto 0, Herndon 0, Marcelo 0, Amer 0.
Quarter Scores: 26-11, 40-33, 72-59, 104-74.
