HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT Game 6

• The epic battle between TNT Tropang Giga and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings is going to a winner-take-all Game 7 set for Friday.
• The Tropang Giga forced the decider after escaping the Gin Kings in another thriller in Game 6.

PBA Finals: Jayson Castro visit lights fire under Rey Nambatac, TNT

MANILA, Philippines—As if a 2-3 deficit in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals wasn’t motivation enough, TNT guard Rey Nambatac found more reasons play all out in their do-or-die Game 6 against Ginebra.

Behind the valiant efforts of Nambatac–among others–TNT defeated the Gin Kings, 87-83, to stay alive and force a sudden death Game 7.

The shifty guard and the rest of the team can thank veteran Jayson Castro for that shot in the arm.

PBA Finals: Game 7 ‘never just another game’ for Ginebra’s Tim Cone

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra coach Tim Cone didn’t achieve the “winningest coach in the PBA” identifier without hardships.

One of those hardships, of course, is competing in a Game 7 for the championship.

He will have to do it once again, this time in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, in hopes of giving Ginebra another title in its already rich history.

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Coach Tim Cone has been in a lot, and we mean, a lot of Game 7s.

On Friday, he’ll add another one of those in his accolades. Only time will tell, though, if it will result in a win or loss for Ginebra. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/MjgbItQhRP

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

PBA Finals: Poy Erram makes amends, done being a distraction for TNT

MANILA, Philippines—A calmer, more focused Poy Erram showed up in Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals and it couldn’t have come at a better time for TNT Tropang Giga.

With their series on the line, Erram made sure he was someone his team could rely on down the stretch as the Tropang Giga forced a do-or-die Game 7 for the Commissioner’s Cup trophy against rival Ginebra.

He finished with 14 points, six rebounds, a steal and a block, but it was his hustle in the clutch that made all the difference for the Tropang Giga.

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Poy Erram didn’t want to be a “distraction” to TNT anymore.

So he became its savior. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/uReu8DuAvN

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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Poy Erram says he will seek help regarding the issues that hounded him during the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.

Erram bared that he's having a hard time dealing with the death of his father.

"I'm seeking help," says the TNT center #PBAFinals | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/FowkKaP84H

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

IN PHOTOS: TNT scores PBA Finals Game 6 win vs Ginebra

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After Game 5’s win, Japeth Aguilar was weary of facing the same situation they were dealt with vs. Meralco in the last Philippine Cup’s semifinals despite a 3-2 lead.

After Game 6, Ginebra is in danger of going down that trend again. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/MwwM4xJlcJ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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The PBA fans seem to have a new hero to root for.

And if it isn’t obvious who it is, it’s TNT import, Rondae Hollis-Jefferson. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/eRdkTsdB5u

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

VIDEO: TNT coach Chot Reyes, Rey Nambatac on their PBA Finals Game 6 win vs Ginebra

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CHOT 🤝 POY

Whatever happened in Game 5 between coach Chot Reyes and Poy Erram is now water under the bridge.

Erram was one of Reyes’ keys in steering TNT to the win with 14 points and six rebounds. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/9xHAcuOwLe

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

PBA Finals: TNT escapes Ginebra in thriller, forces Game 7

TNT cornerstone Jayson Castro walked gingerly into Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night, trying to send a message: The PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals are far from over.

Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Poy Erram made sure of that hours later, as the Tropang Giga hacked out an 87-83 Game 6 victory to drag Barangay Ginebra into a no-tomorrow Game 7 duel for the midseason crown.

“I said, let’s just grab this opportunity. Go out there and  play hard. If we lose, we lose. But at least we’re not going to go down without a fight,” said TNT coach Chot Reyes. “And credit to the guys, they just gave it their all.”

PBA Finals Live Updates: Ginebra vs TNT Game 6

FOURTH QUARTER

• FINAL: TNT forces a Game 7 after defeating Ginebra in the PBA Finals Game 6, 87-83.
• Another trip from the line for RHJ and this times he makes both. TNT 87-83 Ginebra. 6.2 seconds left.
• Rondae Hollis Jefferson misses 2 hi freethrows for TNT with 9 seconds left to play, but he recovers the ball after a well-timed tap from Erram!
• Scottie Thompson banks in a clutch 3! Ginebra 83-85 TNT, 10 seconds left.
• Poy Erram makes 2 freethrows, gives TNT an 85-80 cushion with 16 seconds left.
• Justin Brownlee misses his second freethrow. Poy Erram with a big rebound! 16 seconds to play. TNT 83-80 Ginebra.
• Poy Erram splits his freethrows. TNT holding on to an 83-79 lead with 21 seconds left.
• The TNT hustle! RHJ dives for the ball and Poy Erram secures it. Ginebra forced to foul.
• Justin Brownlee loses the ball, Poy Erram scrambles for the ball and forces a jump. TNT 82-79 Ginebra 25 seconds left.
• Japeth tries for 3, miss! Big rebound from Holt, but TNT has a foul to give.
• Rondae Hollis Jefferson fouled by JB! He makes 2 FTs. TNT leads 82-79. 45 seconds left.
• Big miss from RHJ! Brownlee salvages a 2! Ginebra 79-80 TNT, 1:05 to play. No timeouts from TNT.
• Justin Brownlee takes advantage of mismatch vs Nambatac for a long 2. Ginebra 77-80 TNT.
• Rey Nambatac drives and scores to give TNT an 80-75 lead with 2:15 to play.
• Troy Rosario with a crucial putback! Ginebra just trails 78-75.
• Justin Bownlee with 3 over RHJ! Ginebra 73-78. 4 minutes.
• RHJ denied, recovers the ball and makes the 2! TNT 78-70.
• Ginebra pounces on TNT turnover. Scottie Thompson cuts into TNT’s lead, 76-70. 4:48.
• Rey Nambatac with a floater. Stephen Holt with a long 2. Poy Erram cleans up Nambatac’s miss. TNT leads 76-66.
• Scottie Thompson ends the drought for Ginebra. TNT still ahead 72-64.

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Official gate attendance tonight for Game 6: 17,654.

In front of this huge crowd, TNT rallies to start the fourth and lead Ginebra, 70-62, with 10:01 to go in regulation. #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 26, 2025

• Ginebra still hasn’t converted a basket here. While Poy Erram goes on a 5-0 spree capped by an undergoal stab. TNT opens a 72-62 lead with 8:46 to play.
• 7-0 run for TNT after a Poy Erram corner 3! TNT leads Ginebra, 70-62. 10:01 to play.

THIRD QUARTER

• END OF THIRD: TNT 63-62 Ginebra.
• Stephen Holt with a 3 from the left corner! but Rey Nambatac answers with a 4 at the buzzer! Crazy ending to the third here.
• RHJ with a perfect trip to the line. TNT 59-59 Ginebra.
• Jamie Malonzo creates space and makes a jumper from the elbow. Ginebra up now 59-57.
• RHJ converts another basket from inside. Malonzo drives for the 2. Ginebra 57-57 TNT. 2 minutes.
• Brownlee knocks down his second FT and the game is tied again at 55.
• RJ Abarrientos has really found his mark here in the Finals. He makes another 3 to bring Ginebra within 55-54.
• Justin Brownlee misses both his FTs. RHJ puts back his own miss. TNT up 55-51.
• TNT forces Ginebra to shot clock-second violation. RHJ converts on the other end. TNT leads 53-51.
• Troy Rosario converts and ties the game anew at 51. Midway through the third.

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Another massive crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum for Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/rV8ab5wqAw

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) March 26, 2025

• Poy Erram fouled and Ginebra fans cheer. He makes 2 freebies to give TNT the lead back 51-49.
• RJ Abarrientos left wide open and he makes the 3! Ginebra and TNT tied at 49.
• Troy Rosario makes 2 freethrows. Ginebra 46-49 TNT.
• Another turnover for Ginebra and Nambatac runs with the ball for 2. TNT 49-44 Ginebra. 8:17.
• Sloppy showing for Ginebra here in the third quarter so far and TNT is taking advantage with a 7-0 run. TNT now up 45-40 on 3 from Roger Pogoy.
• RHJ finishes off the fastbreak. Game tied at 42, barely 2 minutes into the second half.
• Nambatac scores a quick 2 to open for TNT. Ginebra 42-40.

SECOND QUARTER

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Barangay Ginebra 24 minutes away from winning the PBA Commissioner's Cup crown but TNT not far behind #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/VppeiXR6I3

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) March 26, 2025

• END OF SECOND: Ginebra 42-38 TNT.
• It’s raining 3s here! Scottie Thompson ends Ginebra’s second quarter attack with a long bomb.
• Calvin Oftana gets back right away with another 3. He’s on fire with 14 points on four 3s! TNT down 36-39.
• Maverick Ahanmisi left with open and he punishes TNT with a 3! Ginebra leads 39-33. 1 minute before halftime.
• TNT pulls within one again, 34-33, with 2:40 on the clock.

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Boy, things surely not going TNT’s way this second quarter…

After a flagrant from Khobuntin, RHJ crashed in the LED board courtside and limped on his way to a timeout. Gins lead, 30-27, with 6:19 to go in first half. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/0BTRvNrG10

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

• Rey Nambatac ties the game again for TNT with a 3. 30 all.
• Man down for TNT as RHJ crashes against the LED board during an attempt to save the ball. He was able to walk back to the floor but Justin Brownlee makes his first 3 of the game. Ginebra 30-27 TNT.
• Calvin Oftana drives for 2 and ties the game for TNT at 27.

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The Ginebra fans surely letting Khobuntin hear it. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/FRXvsCPbxZ

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

• Khobuntin was whistled with a flagrant foul penalty 1. Aguilar got up after a few seconds and sank half of his technical FTs. Gin leads, 27-25. 7:43 left in second.

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Japeth Aguilar is dazed after a hit from Glenn Khobuntin during a layup.

Khobuntin was whistled with a flagrant foul penalty 1. Aguilar got up after a few seconds and sank half of his technical ft’s. Gin leads, 27-25. 7:43 left in second. #PBAFinals | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/sZKQiiobP5

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

• RHJ grinds out an and-1 play! TNT trails Ginebra by 1, 26-25. 8:22.
• Justin Brownlee beats the clock with jumper. Ginebra up 26-22. TNT still scoreless in ths second quarter.
• Jamie Malonzo nothing but net on that long 2. Ginebra 24-22 TNT. 10:24.

FIRST QUARTER

• END OF FIRST: Ginebra and TNT tied at 22.
• Calvin Oftana, another 3! He has 9 points so far in the opener.
• Kim Aurin scores TNT’s first two points in the paint. Stephen Holt attacks on the other side for Ginebra. Ginebra leads TNT, 22-19. 34 seconds left.
• Big first quarter here for RJ Abarrientos! He knocks down another basket from the corner. Ginebra 20-17.
• Strong move to the hoop for Justin Brownlee. Ginebra back on top 18-17.
• RHJ scores 2, RJ Abarrientos with another pull up jumper. TNT 17-16 Ginebra.
• RJ Abarrientos quickly makes his presence felt coming off the bench with a baseline jumper with 3:53 on the clock. Ginebra trails TNT 15-14.
• RHJ joins TNT’s 3-point party to give the Tropang Giga the leac back 15-12. 4:26.
• Tied game at 12 midway through the first half.
• Japeth Aguilar showing out early! He finishes off Scottie Thompson’s dish with a two-handed flush. Ginebra leads TNT 10-9.

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Uh oh… Poy Erram records his THIRD foul already here in the first with 7:49 minutes of action left.

Ginebra leads, 8-6. @INQUIRERSports #PBAFinals pic.twitter.com/vwBhsZVqAf

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) March 26, 2025

• Japeth Aguilar gives Ginebra the lead back 8-6.
• Poy Erram on early foul trouble here with 3 quick PFs with 7:55 in the opening quarter.
• Justin Brownlee scores Ginebra’s first two points. Rey Nambatac opens the offense for TNT with a 3. TNT 3-2 Ginebra.
• PBA Finals Game 5 Starters for Ginebra– Scottie Thompson, Stephen Holt, Japeth Aguilar, Justin Brownlee and Troy Rosario–and TNT–Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, Poy Erram, Rogoy Pogoy, Rondae Hollis Jefferson.

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TNT leader Jayson Castro here at Smart Araneta Coliseum to watch Game 6 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals.

Rey Nambatac tells The Inquirer that Castro also paid a visit in Tuesday's TNT practice at Moro Lorenzo #PBAFinals. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/ytL3GP7aHh

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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SUPORTANG GIGA 🥹

WATCH: Jayson Castro heads to the TNT bench to support his Tropang Giga in Game 6 of the #PBAFinals.

Castro is currently dealing with a torn patellar tendon, which is the reason for him being sidelined in these playoffs. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/nDVLvqJidn

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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THEY SAY SHOOTERS SHOOT 👀

Roger Pogoy works on his stroke from downtown before Game 6 of the #PBAFinals.

He’ll need more of these to help the Tropang Giga force a Game 7 as they’re currently down, 2-3. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/1bZ7FwSnPe

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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LIGHTS OUT… FOR NOW.

Just an hour before tip-off, Ginebra’s Troy Rosario works on his free throw routine.

Can they get the job done and seal the deal tonight? | @MeloFuertesINQ

Follow live updates for the #PBAFinals Game 6: https://t.co/6IbOuInPVx pic.twitter.com/jjuBu5AbI9

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 26, 2025

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Packed crowd expected tonight here at Smart Araneta Coliseum as Barangay Ginebra looks to close out TNT in Game 6 #PBAFinals @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/Xb0XNZTQPh

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) March 26, 2025

PBA Finals: Scottie Thompson could be closeout key for Ginebra

For over a decade, LA Tenorio has been Barangay Ginebra’s steady hand, his steely nerves, crafty playmaking and leadership helping the Gin Kings to almost half of the popular franchise’s 15 PBA crowns.

Tenorio has since taken a different role. Nowadays, he mostly watches from the sidelines, relaying coach Tim Cone’s instructions to his younger teammates which include Scottie Thompson, his former understudy who has since blossomed into one of the league’s finest guards.

The crowd darlings are now at the doorstep of another PBA championship, and in a candid chat with the Inquirer, Tenorio recalled how he once playfully told Thompson that it is now his turn to return the favor.

PBA Finals: Ginebra, TNT seeking resolve to get things done

Resilience has carried both Barangay Ginebra and TNT to this point of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals. But this is also where the road will begin to diverge for the two clubs.

When the door swings open for the Gin Kings on Wednesday, a 16th championship awaits. It will be the first title in two years for a proud franchise gallantly fighting behind its banged-up hero Justin Brownlee.

For the Tropang Giga, though, a win won’t mean instant glory. At least, not yet. Their road on Wednesday leads to another game that extends their hunt for a second-straight crown at a time they are without fleet-footed cornerstone Jayson Castro, along with a bid for a rare Grand Slam that only they are capable of snaring this season.

PBA Finals: TNT ‘needs to regroup’ after ‘all negative’ Game 5–Chot

MANILA, Philippines—TNT coach Chot Reyes took no positives in the Tropang Giga’s Game 5 loss in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals at the hands of Ginebra.

Arguing with his big man Poy Erram is just one of the things that earned the ire of Reyes in the 73-66 loss of TNT that brought them to a 3-2 hole in the best-of-seven series.

At this point, their masterclass on the defensive end just wasn’t enough.

PBA Finals: RJ Abarrientos focused on playing his part to help Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra rookie RJ Abarrientos had his best game as a rookie in a Game 6 loss in last year’s PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.

The prized swingman out of Far Eastern University may have to replicate that same outing in this conference’s Commissioner’s Cup Finals’ Game 6 to help bring the crown back on the Gin Kings’ heads.

Abarrientos, though, said he is simply focused on giving what Ginebra needs him to do and not looking for just another career game.

PBA Finals: Japeth Aguilar, Ginebra stay guarded despite 3-2 lead

MANILA, Philippines—Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar is keeping his focus intact with the crown within reach for the Gin Kings in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Ginebra moved one step closer to winning the import-laden conference’s title after going up 3-2 following a Game 5 win over TNT, 73-66, on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

Aguilar, as the veteran that he is, showed no enjoyment in moving just a win away from sealing the deal.

PBA Finals: RHJ says Chot Reyes-Erram spat ‘took care of itself’

MANILA, Philippines—TNT import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson offered some positives after the Tropang Giga were pushed to the brink following a tough Game 5 loss in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

Just when it looked like TNT crumbled to the very core on Sunday, Hollis-Jefferson said the altercation between coach Chot Reyes and Poy Erram “took care of itself” after their 73-66 defeat to rival Barangay Ginebra.

“It kind of took care of itself. They both knew their importance to the game,” said the newly-minted three-tome Best Import.

PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals – Ginebra vs TNT schedule

Game 6, March 27, Wednesday – Smart Araneta Coliseum

• 7:30pm – Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings vs TNT Tropang Giga

FULL PBA FINALS SCHEDULE HERE.