THE Barangay Ginebra Kings came up with a performance they are known for, sneaking from behind to frustrate the San Miguel Beermen, 73-71, in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the 49th PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday night, June 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

San Miguel opened a big lead, leading by as many as 18 points and was in control for the large part of the game.

Ginebra, a team that earned the reputation for having the ability to mount big fightbacks, struck hard in the final quarter, banking on a searing 12-2 endgame run to seal the win.

Japeth Aguilar led the way for Ginebra with 18 points and nine rebounds. Scottie Thompson and Jamie Malonzo pitched in 16 and 14 points, respectively.

CJ Perez topped the Beermen with 21 points but was just 8-of-21 from the field. Juami Tiongson added 12 markers but also shot poorly from the field, where he went 5-of-15.

Cebuano big man June Mar Fajardo was limited to just six points on a dismal 3-of-10 shooting from the field.

THE SCORES:

GINEBRA (73) - J. Aguilar 18, Thompson 16, Malonzo 14, Rosario 7, R. Aguilar 6, Holt 4, Abarrientos 2, Pinto 2, Gray 2, Adamos 2, Ahanmisi 0, David 0.

SAN MIGUEL BEER (71) - Perez 21, Tiongson 12, Cruz 12, Trollano 9, Fajardo 6, Ross 5, Lassiter 3, Cahilig 3, Brondial 0, Tautuaa 0, Calma 0.QUARTERSCORES: 19-29, 37-45, 56-60, 73-71.(CCM)

• Tags
• #Barangay Ginebra Kings
• #San Miguel Beermen
• #49th PBA Philippine Cup
• #Japeth Aguilar