Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos goes for a layup against TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra delivered a fiery start while capitalizing on almost anything that went wrong for rival TNT in grabbing a 97-78 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

The Gin Kings raced to a 13-0 start before pounding on a Tropang 5G side that lost Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser early on a Flagrant Foul 2 to take a key win that put their goal of getting the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals within reach.

READ: PBA: Ginebra braces for TNT battle in game with high implications

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

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

Ginebra moved to third with Magnolia at 7-3 after leading by a high of 32 as TNT saw its six-game winning streak snapped that spoiled the debut of new acquisition Jordan Heading.

TNT fell to 6-4 for a three-way share of fifth to seventh spots with Converge and Rain or Shine.

RJ Abarrientos scored 23 points with four rebounds and four assists even as Japeth Aguilar had 20 points and 14 rebounds in giving Ginebra its second straight win and four in the last five outings.

The crowd favorites will face Rain or Shine next Sunday at Ynares Center in Antipolo City for a chance to book a top four finish and the important quarterfinal bonus.

READ: PBA: Jamie Malonzo flaunts clutch form in latest Ginebra win

Meanwhile, TNT needs to beat Magnolia on Friday at Ninoy to get a chance to get the incentive that could give the team a better position to begin the next chapter of its quest for a historic Grand Slam.

Ganuelas-Rosser was tossed with 4:13 left in the first quarter for elbowing Troy Rosario while the two were battling for the rebounding position during a bonus freethrow by Aguilar.

Heading finished with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists in almost 20 minutes off the bench after his first TNT game that also served as his return from a back injury which he sustained while with Converge in the Commissioner’s Cup quarters.

Calvin Oftana scored 18 but was 5-of-13 while Poy Erram left the game in the second half after twisting his ankle.