Ginebra and San Miguel will face each other in the playoffs of an import-laced conference for the sixth time since 2016. The Gin Kings won the previous five.
An irresistible force and an immovable object. Some things are just destined for a showdown.
And in the latest chapter of an in-house clash of the titans, Brgy. Ginebra takes on San Miguel Beer once again, this time in the semifinals of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.
Both teams rich in pride, history, and talent, you’d think these two sister squad have engaged in some serious battles in the past.
In the past, yes for sure. But their recent history… not so much.
Ginebra and San Miguel will face each other in the playoffs of an import-laced conference for the sixth time since 2016.
The Gin Kings won the previous five.
2016 Governors’ Cup semifinals - Ginebra def. San Miguel, 3-2
The conference where Justin Brownlee became a local cult hero, the prolific Ginebra import probably wouldn’t have had the chance to make his Finals heroics if not for this crucial semis win over the all-conquering Beermen.
Game 3 was the key game, as Japeth Aguilar’s buzzer-beating baseline jumper gave Ginebra a 2-1 series lead. The series went the distance sure, but Game 5 was a masterclass for the barangay, leading by as many as 34 before closing out San Miguel.
2017 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals - Ginebra def . San Miguel, 1-0
The difference in standings between Ginebra and San Miguel in the 2017 Governors’ Cup was one game, but it was enough for the Gin Kings to take a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
There, Ginebra quickly dashed the Beermen’s dreams of a Grand Slam, taking a 20-point win to start a playoff run that would ultimately end with back-to-back Governors’ Cup titles.
2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals - Ginebra def. San Miguel, 4-2
Justin Brownlee proved he was the man for Ginebra in 2018, helping the Gin Kings overcome a 2-1 series deficit to beat the then-defending champion Beermen in the Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
Brownlee led Ginebra in scoring in five of the six games, including a 42-point outburst in Game 1 and a masterful 31-19-7 in Game 6 to clinch the title.
2019 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals - Ginebra def. San Miguel, 1-0
In what was a theme in the late 2010s, Ginebra and San Miguel were again separated by one game in the eliminations, but it was the Gin Kings that took the twice-to-beat advantage in the playoffs.
Once there, Ginebra needed only one game to eliminate the Beermen, once again dashing the latter’s Grand Slam dreams.
Season 47 Governors’ Cup - Ginebra def. San Miguel, 3-0
As much as Meralco can claim to be the true victims of one Justin Brownlee, the Beermen can make a case as well.
In last year’s Governors’ Cup semifinals, Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings were simply overwhelming for even the mighty Beermen. Ginebra would go on to win via sweep, marching to yet another Finals.
All-Filipino glory
It’s not all Ginebra though, as San Miguel also has some major success over the Gin Kings from the same time period.
The Beermen dominate the Philippine Cup meetings, winning the 2017 Finals and the 2018 semis in relatively easy fashion (4-1, both times).
Regardless of history however, Ginebra and San Miguel are totally different teams now. And the latest chapter to this epic in-house rivalry should be a recipe for incredible basketball.
Ginebra vs. San Miguel in the PBA Season 48 semifinals start tomorrow.