Tim Cone downplays Barangay Ginebra’s win over TNT, says it’s not a ‘big deal’

The Barangay Ginebra San Miguel finally got the better of TNT Tropang Giga, defeating them 97–78 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, June 8, after losing to their opponents in two consecutive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) finals.

The victory not only boosted Barangay Ginebra’s hopes of securing a top-four finish but also ended Tropang Giga’s six-game winning streak in the ongoing Philippine Cup. Central to the win was the performance of RJ Abarrientos, who finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists. He received strong support from Japeth Aguilar, who recorded a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Stephen Holt, Jamie Malonzo, and J. Rosario also contributed by scoring in double figures.

Despite finally breaking their losing streak against TNT, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone downplayed the significance of the win, saying it was just a regular game.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone and Japeth Aguilar after the W vs. TNT. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/bEwcFekNKM

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) June 8, 2025

“I just don’t think we should make too much of a big deal out of this game. It’s an elimination game, they’re coming off a winning streak, and they played a game just yesterday. I just don’t think they were quite ready for our intensity tonight,” Cone said during the post-match press conference.

The American tactician also praised the Tropang Giga squad and their management for turning things around after a rough start to the conference.

“It was a big game in terms of standings and top-four implications, but you have to appreciate the six-game winning streak they put together after starting the conference with three straight losses. They’re still very much in the fight, and we knew that. I just think we came out with some real ferociousness to start this game,” he added.

The win saw Barangay Ginebra rise to third in the Philippine Cup standings with a 7–3 win-loss record, just ahead of the Magnolia Hotshots, who share the same number of wins but have a poorer point differential.

Tim Cone will be hoping his team can continue their winning form in their final elimination game against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday, June 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

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