Even with Japeth Aguilar still sidelined due to illness, Barangay Ginebra continued its impressive run and secured a guaranteed quarterfinals spot with a 119-107 victory over Titan Ultra in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Key Performers Lead the Charge
Justin Brownlee, RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Troy Rosario, and Stephen Holt shouldered the load as the Gin Kings defeated the Giant Risers. With this win, Ginebra joined Rain or Shine (8-1) and NLEX (7-2) as the first teams to clinch playoff berths.
Head coach Tim Cone emphasized the team's focus on their remaining three games, aiming to secure a Top Four finish and a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals. "That's what we'll gun for," Cone said, as they prepare to face Meralco on Friday, May 1, Rain or Shine on Sunday, May 3, and TNT on May 10.
Game Statistics
Brownlee delivered an outstanding performance with 35 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, despite committing five turnovers. Abarrientos led the local scorers with 25 points, along with three rebounds and two assists. Rosario, playing extended minutes in Aguilar's absence, recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.
Thompson contributed his usual all-around game with 12 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Holt added 10 points and eight rebounds. Ginebra controlled the game from the start, taking the first quarter 22-16 and maintaining their lead throughout, reaching a 16-point margin at its peak.
For Titan Ultra, Joshua Munzon posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists. The loss dropped Titan Ultra to 2-7, moving them further from playoff contention. They face Magnolia, NLEX, and Rain or Shine in their remaining games.
Other Results: Converge Dominates Phoenix
Earlier in the day, replacement import Donovan Smith made an immediate impact for Converge, leading the FiberXers to a decisive 130-103 victory over a Phoenix team missing James Dickey III. Smith provided the offensive spark that was lacking with defensive-minded Kylor Kelley, scoring 32 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and blocking three shots.
The win was Converge's second straight, following a 97-92 upset over TNT, improving their record to 4-6. They now sit just behind seventh-place San Miguel (4-5) and Magnolia (4-5). Phoenix, who rested Dickey to recover from an ankle injury sustained in their previous 87-83 win over previously unbeaten Rain or Shine, fell to 5-4 in sixth place.
Looking ahead, San Miguel Beer and Meralco will clash in Tuesday's main event of a double-header, which opens with Blackwater facing Macau at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
