The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, led by Maverick Ahanmisi, edged out the San Miguel Beermen, 102-99, to secure their spot in the 49th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup Finals.
Ahanmisi delivered a crucial 25-point performance in Game 6 of the best-of-seven series, sealing the Gin Kings’ 4-2 series victory at the Araneta Coliseum.
Justin Brownlee’s clutch three-pointer with 1:47 left on the clock extended Ginebra’s lead to 102-98, dampening any hope of a Beermen comeback and preventing the series from going to a decisive Game 7.
“It’s just whatever little strength we had left to win that game. That was the edge we had—that we were able to play with a little more energy. We were limping towards the finish line,” said Gin Kings coach Tim Cone after the game.
San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz attempted a game-tying three-pointer from the corner as time expired, but missed, handing Ginebra the hard-fought victory.
The Gin Kings will face reigning champions TNT Tropang Giga in the finals, with the best-of-seven series starting Sunday, October 27, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
TNT, led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, dominated Rain or Shine Elastopainters with a commanding 113-95 win on Friday night, earning their place in the finals once again.