PBA: Ginebra’s never-say-die travels, Converge grits it out, San Miguel flexes as Philippine Cup race tightens  

Barangay Ginebra proved that its identity doesn’t come with a home address.Thousands of miles away from Manila, inside a packed arena in Bahrain, the Kings leaned on instinct, belief, and timing — the same formula that has defined them for years. 

When the moment called for nerve, Scottie Thompson answered, burying a three-pointer in the final seven seconds to cap a 102–100 comeback win over Rain or Shine that sent Ginebra straight into the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

The victory did more than punch a ticket. It finalized the eight-team playoff field and quietly ended Titan Ultra’s postseason hopes before the newcomer even had a chance to face the Kings in the final elimination game.

Thompson embodied the night with his all-around imprint — 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals — as Ginebra’s never-say-die spirit once again played to an appreciative overseas crowd that made the venue feel anything but neutral.

While Ginebra delivered the evening’s highlight-reel finish, Converge told a story of survival.

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SCOTTIE IS A BAD, BAD MAN

Scottie Thompson sinks this game-winning triple for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, blowing the roof off in Bahrain against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup affair. #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/K0qjkEzn9i

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) December 17, 2025

Down by as many as 11, the FiberXers refused to let their season drift, grinding their way back against NLEX and enduring a gut punch at the end of regulation. Jonnel Policarpio’s daring four-point play at the buzzer dragged the game into overtime at 90-all, momentarily swinging momentum toward the Road Warriors.

But Converge didn’t blink. Instead, the FiberXers opened the extra period with eight straight points, reclaiming control and eventually pulling away for a 107–95 overtime victory that kept their Top 4 aspirations very much alive.

Anchoring the response was Justin Baltazar, who towered over the game with 25 points and 24 rebounds. His commanding performance halted Converge’s two-game slide and lifted the team to a 7–4 elimination slate, keeping the twice-to-beat conversation within reach.

Elsewhere, San Miguel Beer offered a reminder of what a contender in full stride looks like.

The Beermen wasted little time asserting order, rolling past Terrafirma, 135–115, to secure a Top 4 finish and the prized twice-to-beat incentive. The win also marked eight straight victories for San Miguel after stumbling out of the gate at 0–2.

CJ Perez set the tone with 26 points, while Jeron Teng ignited a decisive second-quarter stretch by scoring 11 of his 15. As he so often does, June Mar Fajardo orchestrated everything in between, finishing with his second triple-double of the season — 10 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists.

Depth followed dominance, with Jericho Cruz (17), Don Trollano (14), Mo Tautuaa (12), and JM Calma (11) all contributing as San Miguel climbed back alongside Rain or Shine at the top of the standings.

From a dagger three in Bahrain, to overtime resolve, to a statement win by the league’s standard-bearer, the Philippine Cup’s closing stretch made one thing clear: the playoff picture isn’t just set — it’s brimming with momentum, confidence, and unfinished business.

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