Heading into Game 7 of the 2022-23 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, Ginebra and Bay Area were evenly matched.
In fact, the Gin Kings were just slightly ahead of the Dragons in terms of scoring output, averaging 89.7 points compared to 89.0 in the first six games of the series.
And with all the marbles on the line, Ginebra had a trump card.
On Sunday, 54,589 Ginebra fans trooped to Bocaue, Bulacan to cheer on the all-Filipino Ginebra squad against the visiting team from Hong Kong.
And San Miguel sports director Alfrancis Chua made sure to pay tribute to them.
“Lahat nai-scout nila pero hindi nila kayo nai-scout! Wala silang ganiyan sa China, sa Pilipinas lang meron yan.
“Maraming salamat sa sakripisyo sa pagpila at pagkuha ng ticket,” expressed Chua after Ginebra’s 114-99 Game 7 win to cop the franchise’s 15th championship.
Buoyed by a loud and proud Ginebra contingent inside the Philippine Arena, the Gin Kings were unstoppable for the majority of the 48-minute affair.
Ginebra went on a strong 27-21 start before taking a dominant 61-39 halftime lead.
Justin Brownlee, who was recently naturalized, played inspired basketball during that span while Jamie Malonzo played the game of his life.
There was no letup afterward as Ginebra’s lead ballooned to as high as 28 points.
“From the tip-off, you can feel the energy of the crowd. This game is for all of you, it was amazing. I’ve never been a part of this and it’s such a great feeling,” added Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.
As the dust settled, it was like a party inside the gargantuan venue. The home team won.
“Pagod na yung mga players pero hindi kayo nagsawa sumuporta,” said Chua.
“Mas marami pa nanood pa sa Finals Game 7 kesa sa concert. Ibang klase kayo!”
Of course, Chua also tipped his hat to Cone and his staff and every Ginebra player who had to sacrifice their holidays to prepare for this series.
Finally, the outspoken sports executive dedicated the championship to San Miguel president Ramon S. Ang, who celebrated his 69th birthday on Saturday.
“Happy birthday Boss, regalo namin sa ‘yo to.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.
