It’s back to square one as the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has tied the series, 2-2. Who will take the pivotal Game 5?

Catch the game this Wednesday, November 6th, at 7:30 PM.

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (2-2)

Projected starting five:

• Scottie Thompson
• Maverick Ahanmisi
• Stephen Holt
• Justin Brownlee
• Japeth Aguilar

Justin Brownlee delivered his best performance of the series this past Sunday in Game 4, pouring in 34 points on 11-of-16 shooting, promptly carrying the Ginebra into a 106-92 win. With that, the Barangay has risen from the grave. They not only tied the finals battle at two games apiece, they also stole all of the momentum.

The 36-year-old import will continue gunning for such huge scoring nights, and TNT better watch out as he has finally gathered rhythm. What’s more is the locals are back to neatly complementing their main man. Japeth Aguilar, Maverick Ahanmisi, and Stephen Holt each tallied 18 points in the series-tying victory, while also contributing in other areas – Holt, in particular, had four threes and five steals.

Scottie Thompson (12 pts, 4 ast), meanwhile, was serviceable, while RJ Abarrientos (5 pts, 3 ast), was quiet, although such is the case with a deep lineup. The latter mostly took a backseat to the vets.

Aguilar remains as a likely no. 2 option behind Brownlee, though anyone between Ahanmisi, Thompson, and Holt can be that as well.

Talk N’ Text Tropang Giga (2-2)

Projected starting five:

• Rey Nambatac
• RR Pogoy
• Kim Aurin
• Rondae Hollis-Jefferson
• Calvin Oftana

TNT displayed good effort in Game 4, but the guys just couldn’t match Ginebra and its fans’ raucous energy. Now, they’re back on the drawing board, desperately hoping to stop the opposition’s massive momentum.

Sunday’s defeat featured two good outings from TNT go to waste. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson posted an all-around 28 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 11-of-21 shooting (four threes), while Calvin Oftana scored 26, grabbed six boards, and likewise sunk four treys. 

Rey Nambatac contributed decently in Game 4 behind RHJ and Oftana with 15 points. The team is hoping he can back-up the key guys again, but it’s tough as he’s been hot-and-cold all conference long. 

Veterans Jayson Castro and RR Pogoy were quiet on Sunday, combining for just 18 points on 7-of-16 shooting, so they ought to be assertive and efficient for the crucial Game 5. It may come easy as head coach Chot Reyes may also look to get his trusted vets more involved.

PICKS:

Spread: Ginebra (-1.5)Over/Under: Over (190)