The PBA Commissioner’s Cup returned this Sunday with two games that could potentially have postseason implications. Here is a recap of the PBA’s first twin bill this 2025 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Meralco Stops Eastern, Arrests Two-Game Slide
Akil Mitchell scattered 31 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 7 steals to lead the Meralco Bolts to an 88-83 triumph over Hong Kong Eastern.
The Bolts, coming off back-to-back losses after winning their first three assignments, relied on a tough, smothering defense that held Eastern standout Glen Yang to just 2 points. Bong Quinto added 16 points for Meralco, who finished the game by outscoring the guest team 9-5.
Chris McLaughlin led Eastern with 28 points and 18 rebounds, while Kobey Lam added 16.
Up next:
- Meralco vs. TNT Tropang Giga on January 7 (PhilSports Arena)
- Eastern vs. Terrafirma Dyip on January 17 (PhilSports Arena)
The Scores:
- Meralco (88) – Mitchell 31, Quinto 16, Newsome 9, Black 9, Hodge 6, Banchero 6, Caram 4, Torres 3, Bates 2, Cansino 2
- Eastern (83) – McLaughlin 28, Lam 16, Guinchard 13, Blankley 12, Cao 5, Cheung 3, Chan 2, Yang 2, Pok 2
Ginebra Routs San Miguel Behind Big Effort from Troy Rosario
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel picked up from where they left off in 2024, outplaying the San Miguel Beermen en route to a 93-81 victory.
Free agent acquisition Troy Rosario played his best game in a Ginebra jersey, scattering 22 points—including 16 in the second half—and grabbing 10 boards. Scottie Thompson added a near triple-double of 8 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists for the barangay, who raced out to a 47-31 halftime lead and never looked back.
June Mar Fajardo finished with 12 points, 23 rebounds, and 2 blocks for the Beermen, who could only get to within nine points in the second half. Import Jabari Narcis had 17 points and 10 boards but was just 8-for-18 from the field.
Up next:
- Ginebra vs. NorthPort Batang Pier on January 8 (PhilSports Arena)
- San Miguel vs. Magnolia Hotshots on January 12 (Ynares Center)
The Scores:
- Barangay Ginebra 93 – Rosario 22, Brownlee 19, Holt 15, J. Aguilar 11, Thompson 8, Abarrientos 8, Ahanmisi 7, Cu 3
- San Miguel 81 – Narcis 17, Perez 14, Tiongson 12, Fajardo 12, Cruz 9, Lassiter 6, Cahilig 6, Ross 3, Tautuaa 2
PBA Commissioner’s Cup Goes Back to PhilSports
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup resumes this Tuesday with a double-header between the Terrafirma Dyip and Phoenix Fuel Masters and the Meralco Bolts and TNT Tropang Giga. Both games will be played at the PhilSports Arena.
