Stephen Holt eyes first PBA Championship with Barangay Ginebra

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) powerhouse Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured the last twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals by cruising past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 98–80, in their final elimination game on Sunday, June 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Central to their win was the performance of star guard Stephen Holt, who led from the front with 27 points on 6-of-11 shooting from beyond the arc, along with 12 rebounds and four assists. The 33-year-old has established himself as one of Barangay Ginebra’s top players since being acquired from Terrafirma Dyip in a multi-player trade on July 13, 2024.

Holt clearly enjoys his time with the PBA powerhouse and has gradually adjusted his role—from being the go-to guy during his rookie season with Terrafirma to becoming more of a defensive stopper and elite shooter for Barangay Ginebra.

MAY KASAMA PANG BONUS 👑

Stephen Holt and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secure an outright twice-to-beat advantage after dominating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the final quarter of their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup battle. #PBASeason49 #PBAAngatAngLaban pic.twitter.com/zdpZXbtjY8

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) June 15, 2025

At 6-foot-4, Holt possesses all the tools to be a high-level defender, and he has no issues with his role change, reiterating that he’s willing to play any position as long as it helps him win his first PBA championship with Ginebra.

“Started with mentality in practice to set the tone. We want to play our best basketball at the end of the season. It’s the last game of the eliminations, so we want to finish on the right note and continue the momentum we have. This will be our third try for the championship, and every detail matters to us,” Holt said in a media interaction.

As Holt noted, he is eager to claim his first-ever PBA title—a trophy that has eluded him during his stint with Terrafirma and in two finals appearances this season, where Barangay Ginebra finished runners-up to TNT Tropang Giga in the first two conferences.

Barangay Ginebra will now face long-time rivals, the Converge FiberXers, in the quarterfinals, entering the matchup on a high after winning six of their last seven games, including their final three.

Holt will aim to leave his mark once again when the two teams face off in the quarterfinal on Friday, June 20, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

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