TNT Tropang Giga claimed back-to-back PBA Governors’ Cup championships, overcoming Barangay Ginebra 91-85 in Game 6 of the finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, securing the crown before a raucous crowd of 14,668 fans.
With the game deadlocked at 85-all in the final stretch, TNT's import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson took over, scoring four quick points to break the tie and give his team the crucial edge. The Tropang Giga, led by veteran guards Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy, stifled the Gin Kings' offense, which had kept the game close until that point.
"We knew we had to dig deep, and everyone believed we could do it," said Hollis-Jefferson, who also played a key role in last year’s championship run. “It’s been a long journey, and all the hard work paid off.”
Hollis-Jefferson, who was named Best Import of the Finals, finished with an impressive 31 points, 16 rebounds, and 8 assists, leading TNT in their title defense. His performance was a fitting capstone to a series in which he consistently delivered for his team.
“It’s all about believing in each other,” said TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who now has 10 PBA titles to his name. “We didn’t come this far just to stop now. We pushed through and got the job done. But credit to Ginebra; they were a worthy opponent.”
Castro, Pogoy Shine in Clutch
Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy each chipped in 13 points in the clinching Game 6 victory. Castro, who had an efficient all-around series, was named the PBA Press Corps Finals MVP, averaging 10.3 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.0 rebounds over the course of the finals.
TNT’s victory also marked a milestone for Rey Nambatac, who scored 12 points to secure his first-ever PBA championship. Calvin Oftana added eight points, contributing to the Tropang Giga’s balanced offensive effort.
With this title, TNT now boasts 10 PBA championships in its history, cementing its place among the league’s most successful franchises.
Ginebra's Bid Falls Short
Despite a valiant effort, Barangay Ginebra’s bid for a record-tying 17th championship fell short. Rookie RJ Abarrientos delivered his best performance of the series, scoring 31 points to lead the Gin Kings in their final push. Justin Brownlee added 14 points, and Stephen Holt contributed 12, but Ginebra’s late-game struggles sealed their fate.
Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, who was seeking his 25th career PBA title, acknowledged his team’s determination but also gave credit to TNT’s superior execution in the critical moments of the game.
“They pushed us to the limit,” Cone said of the Tropang Giga. “We fought hard, but at the end of the day, they made the bigger plays when it mattered most.”
Looking Ahead
For TNT, the focus quickly shifts to their next challenge as they look to build on this success and pursue further titles. For now, however, the Tropang Giga can savor their second consecutive Governors’ Cup championship—proof that their dominance in the PBA is firmly intact.
Final Stats:
- TNT: Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (31 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists), Jayson Castro (13 points), Roger Pogoy (13 points), Rey Nambatac (12 points), Calvin Oftana (8 points).
- Ginebra: RJ Abarrientos (31 points), Justin Brownlee (14 points), Stephen Holt (12 points).