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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider No rest for Gin Kings, Bolts

No rest for Gin Kings, Bolts

Published Dec 11, 2025 09:43 am

At A Glance

  • With the elimination round winding down, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco aim to solidify their playoff positions when they take on their respective foes in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Friday, Dec. 12.
RJ Abarrientos leads Ginebra as the Gin Kings go for three in a row to strengthen playoff bid. (PBA Images)
RJ Abarrientos leads Ginebra as the Gin Kings go for three in a row to strengthen playoff bid. (PBA Images)
With the elimination round winding down, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco aim to solidify their playoff positions when they take on their respective foes in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila Friday, Dec. 12.
Finally finding the answers to the lapses that once hounded them, the Gin Kings (4-4), riding a two-game winning streak, have no plans of slowing down as they shoot for a third straight victory over the Terrafirma Dyip (1-8) in their 5:30 p.m. matchup.
Closing the double-header action is a 7:30 p.m. showdown between the Bolts (4-4) and the Phoenix Fuel Masters (3-6), who are looking to avoid an early exit.
Veteran coach Tim Cone admitted that Ginebra is still polishing its sets after its impressive showing against Blackwater.
“We really needed a good performance tonight, you know we’re in the middle of the standings, we’re still, I wouldn’t say groping for form, but we’re still searching ourselves a little bit at this point,” said Cone after their 103-85 win over the Bossing Wednesday night.
“Tonight’s game was absolutely crucial for us and another one this Friday, before we leave for Bahrain (vs Rain or Shine), but these games are all really crucial for us, just number one to get into the playoffs and we just want to win as many games as we can,” he added.
The Kings are currently sitting at the eighth spot in the standings and hold a similar record with the No. 7 Bolts. They are both one win away from No. 6 TNT (5-3).
Prevailing in their remaining contests would give the Gin Kings a huge boost of sneaking into the Top Four where twice-to-beat bonuses are up for grabs.
Ahead of them are Magnolia NLEX (No. 3), Converge (No. 4), and NLEX (No. 5) which all carry 6-3 slates, while Rain or Shine (7-2) sits at the top with San Miguel (6-2) lurking behind at second.
RJ Abarrientos banners the Ginebra side anew alongside his Gilas Pilipinas teammates Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar, and Troy Rosario, Norbert Torres, Joshua David, Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray.
On the other hand, the Dyip are shifting to a higher gear with Mark Nonoy, Paolo Hernandez, and Mark Sangalang taking charge as they are eager to end their seven-game losing skid.
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