Brgy. Ginebra def Magnolia, 95-92 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 25, 2024]

PBA fans are in for a Christmas Day spectacle as Barangay Ginebra gears up to face off against their age-old rival, Magnolia, in the highly anticipated “Manila Clasico” at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The clash is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m., promising an electric atmosphere filled with tension and rivalry.

Before that thrilling matchup, the spotlight will also be on Meralco (3-1) as they take on the surging Converge (5-2) at 5 p.m., setting the stage for a gripping evening of basketball action.

The storied rivalry between Ginebra and Magnolia dates back to the 1988 season, making their Christmas Day showdown a nostalgic rematch. Their last encounter on this holiday occurred during the 2021 season, where the Hotshots, led by Mike Harris, decisively defeated the Gin Kings, 117-94. This thrilling contest took place at the Big Dome, witnessed by a spirited crowd of 4,843, the largest assembly of fans in the league since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ginebra’s head coach Tim Cone and his squad are motivated to turn the tide following a disappointing 98-91 loss to Converge last Saturday, marking their first road game of the conference in Batangas City. The Gin Kings squandered a promising 57-40 halftime lead, unable to stifle the impressive performance of Converge guard Alec Stockton, who pumped in 18 of his team-high 22 points in a second-half surge that propelled his team to victory.

Entering this Christmas clash, Ginebra has stumbled, dropping two of their last three games as they aim to regain their footing. Conversely, Magnolia is fresh off snapping a four-game losing streak, fighting back to edge past NLEX, 99-95, in a nail-biting overtime affair. Despite the win, the Hotshots still face a steep uphill battle to secure a playoff berth.

All eyes will be on the first Christmas Day showdown between Magnolia’s powerful import, Ricardo Ratliffe, and Ginebra’s dynamic Justine Brownlee. Though they play distinct roles, Ratliffe will be looking to replicate his phenomenal 39-point, 18-rebound performance against NLEX as he faces off against Ginebra.

Injuries have taken a toll on the Gin Kings, as starting big man Japeth Aguilar is sidelined with a groin injury, leaving a significant gap in their lineup. Despite a hyperextended knee, Stephen Holt managed to contribute in Batangas; however, his mobility may be compromised against Magnolia. Meanwhile, Jamie Malonzo, Jeremiah Gray, and Isaac Go remain unavailable as they continue to recover from their respective injuries.

On a brighter note, Justine Brownlee seems to have found his groove, having dazzled fans with back-to-back scoring explosions of 49 and 39 points in his last outings. As the rivalry rekindles this Christmas, both teams will be hungry for victory, promising fans an unforgettable showdown.