Tim Cone was at a loss for words after Barangay Ginebra’s collapse in Game 7 of the PBA semifinals

The San Miguel Beermen once again proved why they are one of the most formidable teams in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history, pulling off an incredible 100–93 comeback victory in their do-or-die Game 7 of the Philippine Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, July 9.

Barangay Ginebra looked like the team destined to make it to the Philippine Cup Finals for large portions of the game, holding an 11-point lead early in the third quarter—but they completely squandered it. This collapse did not sit well with head coach Tim Cone, who revealed after the game that he was at a loss for words.

“I don’t really have any thoughts at this point. We played a terrible fourth quarter. We played terribly down the stretch. They jumped into the zone, and we didn’t handle it well. We really lost it at the end of the third when we didn’t keep momentum,” Cone said.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone after losing to San Miguel in seven games. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/74uQnFUiOF

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) July 9, 2025

Veteran Chris Ross stepped up when his team needed him most, finishing with 19 crucial points, seven assists, four steals, and three rebounds—10 of those points coming in the fourth quarter. It was a powerful statement from Ross, who had been benched for the entirety of Game 6 by head coach Leo Austria. This time, Ross was given over 28 minutes of playing time and delivered eight points during a pivotal 17–9 run that allowed San Miguel to pull away late in the game.

“We gave them back the momentum. We turned the ball over a couple of times. We let Chris Ross go down the middle of the defense for layups, so those things contributed. You have to give credit to coach Leo Austria. He went to his veterans—he went to Chris Ross. June Mar Fajardo played 42 minutes on one leg. Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap. They came out and played.

“We had the chance to put the game away early, and in the third quarter we could have stretched the lead. I feel terrible, but that’s just the way it goes,” Cone concluded.

The loss ended Barangay Ginebra’s hopes of making a third straight Finals appearance, while San Miguel now has the opportunity to secure their seventh All-Filipino title since 2015 and their first Philippine Cup championship since 2022. They will face the Grand Slam-seeking TNT Tropang Giga in a highly anticipated finals showdown.

Game 1 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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