In Photos: Ginebra gets stifled by TNT's defense, succumbs in opener of PBA Finals series

Ginebra got bamboozled from the get-go, falling behind quickly at 2-15 and just could not recover from there to surrender an 88-104 decision to TNT in Game 1 of the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup Finals series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Oct. 27.

While the Gin Kings narrowed the eventual 15-point gap to single digits multiple times, the last at 58-66 late in the third, they just could not capitalize as they fell to an even deeper hole in the payoff period.

Have a glimpse on the photos, shot by One Sports photographer RM Chua, and look back on the match from Ginebra's perspective.

[RELATED STORY: In Photos: TNT moves one step closer to title defense after besting Ginebra in Game 1]

EARLY STRUGGLE. Ginebra has a tough time finding its mark from the onset, with Japeth Aguilar serving as the lone bright spot in the first six minutes of action.

DIMMING THE MAGIC. With counterpart Rondae Hollis-Jefferson already firing six points three minutes into the match, Justin Brownlee comes up with just two points in the entire opening quarter.

STEPPING UP WHEN NEEDED. Ralph Cu teams up with Brownlee in a stretch in the second quarter to help trim TNT's 15-point spread down to five, 38-33. Cu wounds up with nine of his 13 points in the first half.

CAN'T PUT JB DOWN. Brownlee starts to find his range in the second quarter. He then comes up with timely baskets after the break as the Gin Kings repeatedly try to close in on the Tropang Giga.

INCREDIBLE HOLT. Stephen Holt (right) unloads 10 points to help Brownlee and Ginebra's cause in the third period.

ROOKIE LEARNINGS. Gin Kings prized recruit RJ Abarrientos coughs up just five points, three rebounds and an assist in more than 21 minutes of play.

MENTOR TINYENTE. LA Tenorio embraces his new role of guiding the Ginebra young guns, Abarrientos included.

SCOTTIE NOT TOO HOTTIE. Scottie Thompson is limited to seven points in Game 1. But the do-it-all guard tries to make up for it with his additional six-rebound and six-assist contribution.

SECOND HALF SURGE. After being held to nine points in the first two quarters, Justin Brownlee still topscores for the Gin Kings as he pours 14 in the last 24 minutes of play for a game-best 23 points. He also tallies seven rebounds and six assists.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD. Coach Tim Cone says that TNT "really embarrassed" Ginebra's defense in Game 1.