I still remember the first time I watched LA Tenorio play for Alaska—there was something special about how he moved on the court, how he read the game. So when I sat down to watch the Ginebra vs Blackwater PBA matchup last night, I couldn't help but feel that same excitement mixed with nostalgia. The final score of 98-92 in favor of Ginebra tells only part of the story; the real drama unfolded in those crucial fourth-quarter minutes where every possession felt like it could swing the game. As someone who's followed PBA for over a decade, I've seen my share of intense games, but this one had that playoff-level intensity you don't often see this early in the season.
Let me be honest—I've always had a soft spot for Ginebra. There's just something about their never-say-die attitude that resonates with me. Last night's game perfectly showcased why. Christian Standhardinger was absolutely phenomenal, dropping 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. I've been critical of his consistency in past seasons, but last night he played like a man possessed. His mid-range jumper with 3:12 left in the fourth quarter essentially sealed the game, pushing Ginebra's lead to 8 points when Blackwater was mounting what could have been a game-changing run. On the other side, Troy Rosario put up impressive numbers too—24 points and 9 rebounds—but ultimately couldn't carry Blackwater across the finish line.
What really stood out to me was the coaching dynamic. When I heard legendary import Sean Chambers' comments about missing the game due to his own team's schedule, it reminded me how interconnected these basketball relationships are. "I love LA when he played with Alaska and you know my relationship with coach Tim," Chambers had mentioned in that interview I came across last week. "I think it's a phenomenal first game. We play that day so unfortunately, I can't be there." That perspective adds another layer to understanding this matchup. Chambers' absence was felt—not on the court, but in the narrative surrounding these two teams with their Alaska connections. Coach Tim Cone's system at Ginebra has clear echoes of those legendary Alaska teams, and seeing LA Tenorio, now with Ginebra, execute those same principles was like watching basketball poetry.
The third quarter was where the game truly turned. Blackwater had built a 5-point lead heading into halftime, but Ginebra came out with what I can only describe as defensive ferocity. They forced 8 turnovers in that quarter alone, converting them into 14 points. As a former college basketball player myself—though at a much lower level—I appreciate how difficult it is to maintain that kind of defensive intensity. Scottie Thompson's stat line doesn't jump off the page—just 9 points—but his 7 assists and 4 steals don't capture his real impact. He was everywhere, disrupting passing lanes and creating fast-break opportunities. That's the kind of player who wins you games without needing to score 20 points.
Offensively, Ginebra shot 46% from the field compared to Blackwater's 42%, but what impressed me more was their ball movement. They recorded 24 assists on 38 made field goals—that's beautiful basketball. Too many teams today rely on isolation plays, but Ginebra's system under Coach Cone emphasizes constant movement and unselfish play. I counted at least 4 possessions where the ball touched every player's hands before resulting in an open three-pointer. Meanwhile, Blackwater's offense became predictable down the stretch—too much one-on-one basketball when they needed ball movement most.
The crowd at Smart Araneta Coliseum was electric—I'd estimate about 12,000 fans based on what I could see from the broadcast. That Ginebra "never-say-die" chant during the final two minutes gave me chills. There's something special about Philippine basketball fandom that you don't find anywhere else. Fans don't just watch—they feel every possession, every call, every basket. When Japeth Aguilar threw down that vicious dunk with 1:24 remaining, the roar was deafening even through my television speakers. That's the moment I knew the game was over, regardless of what the clock said.
Looking back, this game highlighted why I believe Ginebra has what it takes to make a deep playoff run this season. Their balance of veteran leadership and young energy, combined with Coach Cone's system, creates a formidable combination. Blackwater showed flashes of brilliance—particularly their three-point shooting in the first half where they hit 7 of 13 attempts—but they need to develop that closing mentality that championship teams possess. As for me, I'll be watching their next games with particular interest, especially if their paths cross with teams featuring those Alaska connections. The PBA has always been about these interconnected stories as much as the basketball itself, and last night's game was a perfect reminder of why I fell in love with this league in the first place.
