Barangay Ginebra Completes 18-Point Comeback to Win PBA Semifinals Game 1 vs San Miguel

Barangay Ginebra secured a dramatic come-from-behind 73-71 victory over the top-seeded San Miguel Beermen in Game 1 of the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, overcoming an 18-point deficit. Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra with 18 points, nine rebounds, and a crucial block against June Mar Fajardo, who was limited to just six points while battling a calf injury. Raymond Aguilar provided vital energy off the bench, contributing four points and strong defense during his rare playoff minutes. Ginebra's coach Tim Cone emphasized the team's strategy to keep the game low-scoring, which played to their defensive strengths against San Miguel's high-powered offense. The Beermen's early surge, fueled by Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano, was eventually stifled by Ginebra's defensive adjustments in the second half. With confidence from this win, Ginebra aims to build momentum and secure a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.