PBA: Scottie Thompson, Ginebra eye back-to-back wins, take on Meralco in Philippine Cup

Barangay Ginebra looks to keep its momentum going when it faces the Meralco Bolts in the 2025 PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Friday, October 17.

Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

[RELATED STORY: PBA: Japeth Aguilar steers Ginebra to one-sided win over TNT]

The Gin Kings, back in their dominant form, are coming off a convincing 92-77 victory over TNT Tropang 5G — a statement win that showed why they remain perennial title contenders. After a shaky start to the season with a loss to Magnolia, Ginebra has found its rhythm, anchored by the leadership and experience of its veterans.

Japeth Aguilar, still recovering from hand surgery, powered Ginebra with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the win over TNT, reminding fans that he remains one of the league’s most reliable big men.

Rookie of the Year RJ Abarrientos, despite battling an illness, tallied 14 points, while Troy Rosario matched Aguilar’s double-double with 13 points and 13 boards.

Scottie Thompson, meanwhile, bounced back from a scoreless opener, nearly notching a triple-double with 10 points, nine assists, five rebounds, and a steal.

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Ginebra did nearly everything right in that victory, setting the tone early with a blistering 33-16 first quarter.

But the challenge continues as they face a resurgent Meralco side that just snapped its two-game skid with a 105-96 win over Blackwater.

The Gin Kings will look to sustain their early dominance and secure back-to-back wins as they continue their quest to reestablish themselves as a powerhouse in the All-Filipino conference.

[ALSO READ: PBA: Chris Newsome says Bolts' right mindset key to avoiding 0-3 hole]

(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)

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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]