Stephen Holt delivered another outstanding performance as Barangay Ginebra earned its first victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup after overwhelming Blackwater, 115-85, on Friday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After suffering a heartbreaking 81-78 defeat against Phoenix in their tournament opener, the Gin Kings wasted no time bouncing back. Ginebra showcased its trademark teamwork, efficient offence, and disciplined defence to secure a convincing 30-point victory, evening its record early in the conference.
Leading the charge was Stephen Holt, who once again demonstrated why he remains one of Ginebra’s most dependable players. The Best Player of the Game finished with 19 points and seven rebounds while making key plays on both ends of the floor. His consistency and leadership helped Ginebra establish control from the opening minutes and maintain that momentum throughout the contest.
Stephen Holt Sets the Standard Early
Stephen Holt wasted little time making his presence felt. Whether attacking the basket, knocking down perimeter shots, or contributing defensively, Holt provided the stability Ginebra needed after its disappointing opening-game loss.
His aggressive approach inspired the rest of the squad, allowing the Gin Kings to play with confidence and rhythm. Holt’s ability to score without forcing shots also allowed his teammates to find opportunities within Ginebra’s offensive system.
The balanced scoring attack proved to be one of the biggest differences in the game, as multiple players stepped up alongside Holt.
Import Riley Grigsby contributed an impressive 18 points and eight rebounds, providing a strong inside presence while also stretching the defence with his versatile offensive game.
Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos continued to impress in his young professional career, finishing with 14 points and six assists. His playmaking and court vision kept Ginebra’s offence flowing smoothly while creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Eight Ginebra Players Reach Double Figures
Rather than relying on a single star, Barangay Ginebra showcased remarkable depth against Blackwater.
Aside from Stephen Holt, Grigsby, and Abarrientos, five additional players finished with double-digit scoring:
- Stephen Holt – 19 points, 7 rebounds
- Riley Grigsby – 18 points, 8 rebounds
- RJ Abarrientos – 14 points, 6 assists
- Troy Rosario – 11 points
- Japeth Aguilar – 11 points
- Ralph Cu – 11 points
- Nard Pinto – 11 points
- Kemark Carino – 11 points
The balanced offensive production allowed Ginebra to maintain fresh legs throughout the game while preventing Blackwater from focusing its defence on any single player.
Overall, the Gin Kings converted an impressive 53.7 percent of their field-goal attempts, highlighting the quality of their ball movement and shot selection.
COURTESY: ABS-CBN
Tim Cone Praises Team’s Response
Following the victory, head coach Tim Cone expressed satisfaction with how his players responded after the opening-game setback.
Cone explained that getting one game under their belt helped the team settle down and become more comfortable with its system. He also credited the additional practice sessions for improving the players’ chemistry and execution.
The veteran coach was especially pleased with Ginebra’s shooting efficiency, noting that the team consistently created high-quality scoring opportunities instead of forcing difficult attempts.
The performance reflected the disciplined style of basketball that has become a trademark of Cone’s coaching philosophy.
Ginebra Controls the Game From Start to Finish
The Gin Kings established their dominance immediately by winning the opening quarter, 31-23.
Blackwater attempted to stay within striking distance during the early stages, but Ginebra’s relentless offensive execution gradually widened the gap.
By halftime, the Gin Kings had already built a comfortable 62-42 advantage behind efficient shooting and strong defensive pressure.
The third quarter effectively ended any hopes of a Blackwater comeback. Ginebra continued to push the tempo while limiting the Bossing’s offensive opportunities, extending the lead to 96-63 entering the final period.
With the result already beyond doubt, Coach Cone was able to rotate his lineup extensively, giving several players valuable minutes while preserving energy for upcoming games.
The final buzzer confirmed Ginebra’s convincing 115-85 victory.
Quarter Scores
- First Quarter: Ginebra 31 – Blackwater 23
- Second Quarter: Ginebra 62 – Blackwater 42
- Third Quarter: Ginebra 96 – Blackwater 63
- Final Score: Ginebra 115 – Blackwater 85
Barkley Continues to Shine for Blackwater
Despite the loss, Blackwater import Kentrell Barkley continued his strong individual form.
Barkley recorded a game-high 26 points along with 10 rebounds, once again carrying much of the offensive responsibility for the Bossing.
Christian Barefield added 16 points, while Panopio contributed 15. RK Ilagan also reached double figures with 10 points.
However, Blackwater struggled to contain Ginebra’s balanced offence and found it difficult to generate consistent defensive stops. The team also had trouble matching the Gin Kings’ ball movement and efficient shooting throughout the contest.
The defeat dropped Blackwater to 0-2 in the conference, putting additional pressure on the team to bounce back in its upcoming games.
Complete Team Scoring
Barangay Ginebra (115)
Stephen Holt 19, Riley Grigsby 18, RJ Abarrientos 14, Troy Rosario 11, Japeth Aguilar 11, Ralph Cu 11, Nard Pinto 11, Kemark Carino 11, Estil 4, Gray 2, Abis 2, Torres 1, R. Aguilar 0, Go 0.
Blackwater (85)
Kentrell Barkley 26, Barefield 16, Panopio 15, Ilagan 10, Austria 5, Mallilin 5, Murrell 2, Escoto 2, Dumont 1, Mendoza 1, Demusis 0, DiGregorio 0, Sena 0, Una 0.
Stephen Holt Leads Ginebra Into the Next Challenge
Stephen Holt’s excellent all-around performance served as the foundation for Barangay Ginebra’s first victory of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup. More importantly, the win demonstrated the team’s impressive depth, chemistry, and ability to respond after adversity.
With eight players scoring in double figures and the offence operating at a high level of efficiency, Ginebra appears to be settling into its rhythm after the opening-game disappointment.
If Stephen Holt continues to provide leadership on both ends of the floor while the supporting cast maintains its balanced production, the Gin Kings will remain one of the strongest contenders in the Governors’ Cup as the tournament progresses. For Blackwater, regrouping quickly and improving its defensive consistency will be essential as it looks to avoid falling further behind in the standings.
