Barangay Ginebra may have sent San Miguel Beer packing through six games in their semifinals series in the PBA Governors’ Cup, but that is not to say that the Kings had an easy time against the Beermen.

In fact, it was the opposite, as far as head coach Tim Cone was concerned, noting how they barely survived Game 6 with a 102-99 win despite giving almost everything.

“It took every little ounce of whatever we had left to win that game,” said Cone, whose Kings needed a collective effort from guys like Maverick Ahanmisi, Japeth Aguilar, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson as well as a timely trey from Justin Brownlee inside the final two minutes.

Cone said Ginebra was just lucky to have a little bit of energy against a weary San Miguel, who had to go through a wringer against Converge while also juggling duties with the East Asia Super League.

But even so, it took some prayers in the end game for Ginebra as San Miguel hoisted two four-pointers in its final possession that could have won the Beermen the game and force a deciding Game 7.

The Kings, though, dodged huge bullets as both EJ Anosike and Jericho Cruz both missed their attempts as the time expired.

“It did come down to the last. We were limping to the finish line. We just didn't have anything. And we were really worried that we would not be able to pull that out and that we have to go into a Game 7,” said Cone.

Still, he lauded the Beermen’s resolve.

“I know that people talk about their (San Miguel) talent, but you have to have a guy that’s gonna put that talent together and make things happen. Coach Leo (Austria) did it for a long time and now coach Jorge (Gallent) is continuing that, so hats off to them for being as good as they are all the time,” Cone said.

After overcoming the mighty San Miguel, Ginebra faces up against another powerhouse against TNT in the Finals. More than another marquee duel, the Kings are surely extra motivated against the Tropang Giga who defeated them when the conference was last staged two seasons ago.