As I settled into my seat for Game 3 of the PBA quarterfinals, the electricity in the arena was undeniable. Ginebra versus Meralco has become one of those classic rivalries that never fails to deliver drama, and tonight's matchup promised to be particularly special with both teams fighting for that crucial 2-1 series advantage. The atmosphere felt charged in a way that reminded me of championship games I've covered in the past - that unique blend of tension and excitement that only comes when both teams genuinely believe they can win.
What unfolded over the next two hours was nothing short of spectacular. Ginebra came out swinging, putting up 32 points in the first quarter alone while holding Meralco to just 18. Christian Standhardinger was absolutely dominant in the paint, finishing with 28 points and 15 rebounds - numbers that don't even fully capture how he controlled the game's tempo. But what impressed me most was how Meralco refused to fold. They clawed back in the third quarter, with Allein Maliksi catching fire from beyond the arc and cutting what had been a 16-point deficit down to just 4 with about 7 minutes remaining.
Then came the moment that will define this game in the series narrative. With just under 4 minutes left and Ginebra's lead looking precarious, Scottie Thompson made one of those plays that reminds you why he's a former MVP. He stole the ball near midcourt, drove through traffic, and finished with a contested layup while drawing the foul. The three-point play felt like a dagger, and the crowd's eruption was deafening. From that point on, Ginebra never looked back, closing the game on a 12-4 run to secure the 98-86 victory.
During the post-game press conference, coach Tim Cone made an interesting comparison that stuck with me. When asked about Thompson's impact, he said, "He's very damaging, Look at (Oscar) Dela Hoya, (Antonio) Margarito," referencing fighters previously demolished by Pacquiao during his prime. The analogy felt perfect - Thompson's performance had that same surgical precision and devastating effectiveness that characterized Pacquiao in his boxing heyday. Both possess that ability to shift momentum with a single explosive sequence that demoralizes opponents.
What often gets overlooked in these Ginebra vs Meralco PBA Quarterfinals matchups is the strategic chess match happening between the coaching staffs. Coach Cone's decision to go small for stretches in the fourth quarter, putting Thompson on Maliksi defensively, completely disrupted Meralco's offensive flow. Meanwhile, Meralco's adjustments to double-team Standhardinger in the post worked reasonably well - they just couldn't capitalize enough on the offensive end during critical possessions. The shooting numbers tell part of the story: Ginebra shot 48% from the field compared to Meralco's 42%, but the real difference came in second-chance points, where Ginebra held a commanding 18-7 advantage.
Having covered this rivalry for years, I've come to appreciate how these games often hinge on which team can maintain their composure during momentum swings. Tonight, that team was clearly Ginebra. Even when Meralco made their runs, particularly during that explosive third quarter where they outscored Ginebra 28-21, the Gin Kings never panicked. Their veteran presence, particularly from LA Tenorio who contributed 14 points and 7 assists, provided the steadying influence needed to weather the storm.
Looking ahead to Game 4, Meralco needs to solve their rebounding issues - they lost the battle on the glass 52-44 tonight - while Ginebra will likely look to establish Standhardinger even earlier in the offense. Personally, I think this series goes at least 5 games, possibly even the full distance. Both teams have shown they can win, and the adjustments between games have been fascinating to watch. For basketball purists, this Ginebra vs Meralco PBA Quarterfinals matchup is delivering everything we could ask for - high stakes, dramatic swings, and performances that remind us why we love this sport.