Ginebra beats Meralco 91-87, secures No. 4 seed

Barangay Ginebra secured a 91-87 victory over Meralco in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, January 29, setting up a best-of-three quarterfinal series between the two teams at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Coach Tim Cone limited the playing time for his key players to prepare them for the playoffs, with Stephen Holt stepping up to contribute 13 points and three rebounds in 21 minutes of action.

RJ Abarrientos led Barangay Ginebra with 17 points while Justin Brownlee added 15 points, five rebounds, and five assists as the team ended eliminations on a winning note with an 8-4 record and the No. 4 seed.

Both teams kept their usual suspects on the bench longer than usual, with Meralco sitting out import Akil Mitchell and fielding starters Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, and Bong Quinto under 30 minutes each.

Coach Cone expects a dogfight in the best-of-three series after his side swept Meralco in the quarterfinals of the season-opening Governors' Cup.