In a game already being hailed as an instant classic, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel authored a breathtaking comeback to eliminate the Converge FiberXers in their do-or-die PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinal clash on Sunday night, December 28, 2025. The heart-stopping victory, which head coach Tim Cone described as nearly a 'miracle,' perfectly encapsulated the team's legendary Never Say Die spirit.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions Until the Final Buzzer
The match was an intense, physical battle where every possession mattered. The momentum swung wildly, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second. In the dying moments of regulation, with Converge holding a precarious three-point lead, Ginebra's fate seemed sealed. However, a crucial foul by Converge's Alex Stockton on Jeremiah Gray sent the Ginebra guard to the free-throw line with no time left on the clock.
Facing immense pressure, Gray displayed incredible poise. He calmly sank all three free throws, sending the game into an extra period and completing a stunning escape for his team. 'Not tough at all… We practice free throws every day,' Gray remarked with humility after the game. 'I just took it as another free throw in practice. I knew what we had to do. Knocked them down and just gave our team a chance to win it in overtime.' Coach Cone later emphasized that missing even one of those shots would have ended Ginebra's season.
Overtime Drama and the Ultimate Payback
The drama only intensified in overtime. Converge appeared to seize control again after a four-point shot from Justin Arana gave them a six-point advantage. The celebration that followed, however, proved premature. Just as in recent international basketball history, premature showboating can invite a swift response.
Ginebra, fueled by their never-surrender ethos, methodically clawed back. Key contributions came from across the roster. RJ Abarrientos hit critical free throws, while veterans Troy Rosario and, ultimately, Stephen Holt delivered the knockout punches from beyond the arc. Holt's game-sealing three-pointer was a moment of redemption for the guard, who had struggled earlier in the game.
'That’s probably one of the biggest shots of my career,' Holt said in the postgame interview. 'This team gave me my confidence. When they gave me the moment, I just had to step up.' He paid tribute to the team's core identity, stating, 'I love our team, I love our spirit… [The] NSD spirit just came out on top.'
A Testament to Teamwork and Timeless Culture
This victory was a collective triumph. Despite the absence of key players like the injured Jayson David and the leadership of Scottie Thompson and Japeth Aguilar on the bench, the team refused to fold. Vital minutes and plays from role players like John Pinto, Ralph Cu, and Norbert Torres were instrumental in the win.
The game served as the latest and perhaps most dramatic chapter in Barangay Ginebra's long history of resilience. It reaffirmed the powerful culture of #NSD (Never Say Die) that defines the franchise and its legion of fans. As the famous Yogi Berra quote echoed through the arena, 'It ain’t over ‘til it’s over,' Ginebra lived it, fighting until the final buzzer to secure a memorable passage to the next round. The win was a powerful reminder that in sports, as in life, those who persevere against the odds often find a way to prevail.
