Photo credit: PBA

Barangay Ginebra sure knows how to ring in the New Year with style. The Kings delivered a resounding 93-81 victory over San Miguel Beer in the PBA Commissioner's Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday. The win not only marked a solid follow-up to their Christmas Day triumph over Magnolia but also boosted their record to a strong 5-2.

Troy Rosario was a standout, stepping up in a big way as Justin Brownlee pushed through a minor ailment that kept him out of practice the day before. Rosario dazzled on the court, scoring a game-high 22 points, sinking 4-of-8 triples, and grabbing 10 rebounds. His relentless hustle earned high praise from Coach Tim Cone. "He's all over the floor. He hustled everywhere," Cone said, highlighting Rosario's impact in just 33 minutes of play.

But Rosario wasn’t the only one making waves. Stephen Holt, Japeth Aguilar, Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Maverick Ahanmisi all brought their A-game, contributing crucial points and plays that kept the momentum firmly in Ginebra's favor. Brownlee, despite feeling under the weather, put up a solid 19 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, making clutch plays to keep the Beermen at bay in the crucial moments of the fourth quarter.

The Kings took control early, breaking a 16-all tie with a dominant 31-15 run to start the second period. They never looked back, extending their lead to as much as 20 points. Coach Cone lauded the team's defensive efforts, which held San Miguel 20 points below their average.

This win sets the stage for Ginebra's upcoming clash against the top-seeded NorthPort Batang Pier on January 8 at the PhilSports Arena. With their spirits high and teamwork clicking, the Kings are charging into the new year with confidence and momentum.
As the Kings continue their campaign, fans can expect more thrilling performances and perhaps, another championship run in the making. Stay tuned, Barangay Ginebra is just getting started.