Ginebra has a tough PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup assignment to start the year, taking on the San Miguel Beermen.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel seek to sustain their momentum as they take on defending champion San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, Jan. 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The highly-anticipated matchup is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Gin Kings, currently holding a 4-2 record, are coming off a morale-boosting win against Magnolia Hotshots on Christmas Day.
However, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone is keeping his team grounded, fully aware of the challenge posed by the Beermen.
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“Coming off the break, we got San Miguel. So, it doesn't get any easier,” said Cone.
Against SMB, Ginebra will lean on the consistent brilliance of import Justin Brownlee and the steady contributions of locals like Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, and RJ Abarrientos.
The Gin Kings will also likely field in Jamie Malonzo, who has been out for almost nine months due to a calf injury.
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Facing a 3-3 San Miguel squad eager to rebound from recent struggles, the Gin Kings aim to solidify their standing in the mid-season conference.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]