Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back in commanding fashion from its opening day loss in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup, routing TNT Tropang 5G, 92-77, on Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Gin Kings wasted no time asserting control, unleashing a scorching 18-0 run in the first quarter to seize a 33-16 lead — a gap that TNT never managed to close.
Ginebra maintained its double-digit cushion deep into the second half, keeping the Tropang Giga at bay and denying any serious comeback attempt. TNT showed some late resistance behind Simon Enciso, who erupted for five three-pointers and a layup in the fourth quarter. However, the early hole proved too deep to climb out of.
Japeth Aguilar anchored Ginebra’s strong showing with a double-double performance of 17 points and 10 rebounds. Troy Rosario also delivered a solid outing with 13 points and 13 boards.
RJ Abarrientos added 14 points for the Kings, while Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, and Norbert Torres each chipped in 10 markers in a balanced offensive effort.
Enciso paced TNT with 17 points, all coming in the second half, while Kevin Ferrer contributed 11 points and eight rebounds in the loss.
Up next, Barangay Ginebra looks to build momentum as they face the Meralco Bolts on Friday at the same venue. Meanwhile, TNT will try to regroup when they take on the Converge FiberXers on Saturday at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
