Meralco and Ginebra square off for the last time as their PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinal series goes to a decider in Batangas on Friday, May 31.
After a couple of heartbreaks against Ginebra in the not-so-distant past, Meralco ace Bong Quinto is not settling for learning experiences anymore.
That is why Quinto is hell-bent on helping the Bolts finish off playoff tormentor Gin Kings in the decider of their best-of-seven semifinal tiff in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.
“Ito 'yung para sa'kin, experience kong di na 'to pang experience lang. Usually 'pag rookie ka, 'pag sophomore ka, gusto mo lang experience,” said Quinto.
The former Letran star's conviction was none more evident Wednesday, May 29, where he dropped a career-high 23 points to lift Meralco past Ginebra, 86-81, in Game Six and give his squad another shot at the remaining finals berth.
“[Ang] mindset ko lang, ibigay na namin lahat," said Quinto.
"Bahala na. Basta ibibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko para makatulong ako sa team,” he added.
Bong Quinto in action during Meralco and Ginebra's Game Six semifinal tussle | Photo (c) PBA
Since being drafted by the Bolts in the second round in 2018, Quinto suffered defeat in the hands of their tormentors in the finals twice (2019 and 2021 Governors’ Cup).
In all, Meralco lost all but one of their seven playoff meetings with the Gin Kings.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Reliving the Ginebra-Meralco rivalry, playoff edition]
Quinto would not allow another heartbreak this time.
“Ngayon, talagang gustung-gusto kong manalo kasi Ginebra. Sa experience ko sa Ginebra, dalawang beses na ako pinaiyak ng Ginebra, eh. Tapos ganyan na naman, sila na naman,” he said.
The 29-year-old cager and the rest of the Bolts will make the most of their final chance against Ginebra in the winner-take-all Game Seven on Friday, May 31.
Match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at the FPJ Arena in San Jose, Batangas.