Troy Rosario of Ginebra in action against NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup, December 11, 2024 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. PBA Images

MANILA -- Troy Rosario made a triumphant debut for Barangay Ginebra, helping the perennial crowd favorites defeat NLEX 109-100 on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rosario had nine points and seven rebounds in his first game as a Gin King, as they opened the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on a winning note. 

Stephen Holt scored 20 of his 26 points in the third quarter, where Ginebra pulled away from the Road Warriors after trailing 43-42 at the half.

With Holt firing away, the Gin Kings built a 78-66 lead that proved enough to weather a fourth quarter charge from NLEX.

Justin Brownlee had 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Japeth Aguilar added 15 points for Ginebra.

Mike Griffin-Watkins led all scorers with 27 points on top of 21 boards, while Robert Bolick had 18 points and seven assists. However, Bolick also accounted for five of NLEX's 12 turnovers.

The Road Warriors fell to 3-2, failing to build on a come-from-behind win against San Miguel Beer last weekend. 

The Scores :

GINEBRA 109 – Holt 26, Brownlee 24, J.Aguilar 15, Ahanmisi 13, Rosario 9, Thompson 8, Abarrientos 6, Cu 6, Adamos 2, Pinto 0

NLEX 100 – Watkins 27, Bolick 18, Alas 14, Policarpio 13, Valdez 11, Torres 5, Semerad 4, Herndon 4, Rodger 2, Bahio 2, Mocon 0

QUARTERS :  20-22, 42-43, 78-66, 109-100