Camille Naredo

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Paige Javier

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1767540794307PBA IMAGES11.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Ginebra&#x27;s Scottie Thompson in action against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, January 4, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Media" width="960"/>Ginebra&#x27;s Scottie Thompson in action against San Miguel in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, January 4, 2026 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Media</div>MANILA (UPDATED) -- Barangay Ginebra survived a monster outing from June Mar Fajardo to pull away for a 99-90 win against San Miguel in Game 1 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series on Sunday.A huge fourth quarter got the job done for the Gin Kings at the Araneta Coliseum, with the likes of Ralph Cu and Norbert Torres contributing huge baskets to give them separation against the Beermen.Scottie Thompson led the way with 22 points while RJ Abarrientos added 23 points and seven assists for Ginebra.Squandered in the defeat was a 27-point, 23-rebound effort from reigning Most Valuable Player Fajardo, as the Beermen failed to hold on to a slim lead after the third quarter.San Miguel was made to pay for their atrocious shooting at the free throw line, where they made just 15 of 31 attempts.&quot;We were very aware that they were the number one team in bench points. So we challenged our guys that we had to come out and really play well against Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Juami Tiongson, and Mo [Tautuaa],&quot; Ginebra head coach Tim Cone said during the post-game press conference. &quot;I think they did a really good job of keeping the energy. We went down by eight points. It was really the second group that brought us back and got us the lead,&quot; he added. Ginebra led by as much as 12 points in the first half before San Miguel found its rhythm behind Fajardo to enter the break down by just two points, 48-46. They came alive in the third with CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter also contributing, but could not maintain their momentum.Instead, Cu and Torres waxed hot from long range to put Ginebra in control.The Gin Kings&#x27; bench outscored San Miguel, 54-29, with Abarrientos leading the way. Abarrientos said the physicality of the Converge FiberXers in their quarterfinal series helped him prepare for San Miguel. &quot;Siguro nakatulong sa akin individually yung physicality ng Converge, the way they play defense against me. So siguro yun yung in-adapt ko going against a veteran team like San Miguel. Yun yung pinaghandaan ko sila kuya Chris Ross, Jericho Cruz,&quot; he explained. Perez contributed 18 markers, while Lassiter finished with 12 points. Cone acknowledged the defensive effort of Japeth Aguilar and Norbert Torres in trying to limit Fajardo, who still had a great performance. &quot;You don’t win very many games when June Mar has 27 points and 23 rebounds. You don&#x27;t beat San Miguel very often. This is one we really had to battle,&quot; he said. &quot;Both our big guys were in foul trouble. They did the best they could, and still, June Mar got 27 and 23. It&#x27;s just amazing he&#x27;s that kind of player. We&#x27;re still happy to pull this one out despite June Mar having an amazing game,&quot; Cone added. Ginebra aims to extend its lead, while San Miguel seeks to level the series in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum. <div> </div><div>The Scores:</div>GINEBRA 99 – Abarrientos 23, Thompson 22, Cu 13, David 10, Torres 8, Rosario 8, J.Aguilar 7, Holt 6, Gray 2, Pinto 0, Estil 0SAN MIGUEL 90 – Fajardo 27, Perez 18, Lassiter 12, Tiongson 8, Trollano 5, Calma 4, Cruz 4, Cahilig 3, Tautuaa 3, Brondial 2, Rosales 2QUARTERS: 26-18, 48-46, 72-73, 99-90<div> </div><div> </div>

Barangay Ginebra survived a monster outing from June Mar Fajardo to pull away for a 99-90 win against San Miguel in Game 1 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series on Sunday.

Barangay Ginebra survived a monster outing from June Mar Fajardo to pull away for a 99-90 win against San Miguel in Game 1 of their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinal series on Sunday.

PBA: Ginebra weathers huge game from Fajardo to draw first blood vs. SMB

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PBA: Ginebra weathers huge game from Fajardo to draw first blood vs. SMB

Paige Javier,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 04, 2026 10:25 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 05, 2026 12:52 AM PHT

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