Ginebra simply proved to be too talented, too experienced, and too prepared for what Meralco had in store.

The theme of the series was present yet again in Ginebra’s series-clinching 105-93 victory in Game 5. The first half was all about feeling things out, poking holes in Meralco’s game plan, and conserving energy for the all-important second half.

Ginebra went to work quick in the third quarter and they erased a 14-point lead with little resistance. They scored 30-plus points in the period for the fourth time in the series and the momentum dragged in the final frame. The Gin Kings ended up dropping 65 total points in the second half on 58.3% shooting.

The championship was powered by an all-around production from the Gin Kings as all starters reached double figures. Japeth Aguilar scored a team-high 25 to go along four blocks, Justin Brownlee had 24 points while also handing out nine assists for the second time in the series, Stanley Pringle tallied 17 points and eight dimes, LA Tenorio chipped in 12, and Scottie Thompson posted a series-high 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting.

Following the win, Ginebra coach Tim Cone added another PBA championship under his belt. It was his 22nd title in the league, seven more than the next guy on the list: the late great Baby Dalupan, and 11 more than the runner-up among active coaches, Norman Black, who’s also the Bolts’ current maestro.

Tough finish for Meralco… again

Allen Durham, true to his aggressive style of play, left everything on the floor, pouring in 29 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. His supporting cast mostly shot bricks in the crucial stages, though, and even the usually reliable Chris Newsome couldn’t get it going (13 pts, 6-for-13).

The Gin Kings were simply the better team throughout the series. Meralco will regret not being able to take advantage of a halftime lead twice in the series, and will need to figure out why their scoring failed them when it was needed most.