Barangay Ginebra and Meralco Secure Key Wins to Boost PBA Philippine Cup Playoff Hopes

Barangay Ginebra and Meralco asserted their dominance in separate matches on Thursday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, strengthening their bids for the quarterfinals in the PBA Philippine Cup.

In the first game, Barangay Ginebra overcame Blackwater with a convincing 103-85 victory. The Gin Kings broke away during the second quarter, outscoring Blackwater 40-20 to establish a commanding 63-42 halftime lead. Ginebra maintained their momentum in the second half, extending their largest lead to 98-71 with under five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Despite an 8-0 run from the Blackwater Bossing, Ginebra's cushion remained unassailable.

RJ Abarrientos paced Ginebra with 15 points, supported by Stephen Holt and Jeremiah Gray who each contributed 12 points. Jayson David and Troy Rosario added 11 and 10 points respectively, helping the team improve to a 4-4 record.

For Blackwater, Dalph Panopio led the scoring with 22 points, while Sedrick Barefield and Abu Tratter added 17 and 12 points respectively. The loss extended Blackwater's losing streak to eight games following their season-opening win.

Earlier in the day, Meralco secured a commanding 120-87 victory over Terrafirma to also advance to a 4-4 standing. CJ Cansino led the Bolts with 20 points, alongside Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome who scored 13 and 12 points respectively. Bong Quinto and Raymond Almazan each chipped in 11 points.

Despite a strong individual effort from Mark Nonoy, who scored 22 points, Terrafirma struggled to keep pace, with Paolo Hernandez and Louie Sangalang adding 18 and 13 points respectively. The loss dropped Terrafirma to 1-8, eliminating them from playoff contention.

With these results, Barangay Ginebra and Meralco are tied for seventh place in the standings, while Blackwater and Terrafirma's chances of advancing have effectively ended.