MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra downed Meralco, 91-87, Wednesday to arrange a best-of-three quarterfinal series between the two teams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Practically playing with nothing at stake except for ending the eliminations on a winning note, the Gin Kings prevailed despite coach Tim Cone electing to field some of his seldom-used players during the closing seconds of the contest.

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Von Pessumal and Raymond Aguilar played the waning moments alongside RJ Abarrientos, Troy Rosario and Ralph Cu and helped Ginebra go into the playoffs with an 8-4 record and the No. 4 seed.

READ: PBA: Ginebra books quarterfinals spot with rout of Rain or Shine

Meralco, which played minus import Akil Mitchell due to his back issues, missed out on the twice-to-beat advantage after falling to 7-4 with a game to spare against Magnolia Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Regardless of the outcome, the Bolts are assured of the fifth seed to set up a second straight quarters and third consecutive playoff duel with the Gin Kings.

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Meralco beat Ginebra in seven games of the 2024 Philippine Cup semifinals on its way to the title before the Gin Kings swept the Bolts in three games in this season’s Governors’ Cup quarters.

READ: PBA: Ginebra doomed by lack of urgency vs TNT, says RJ Abarrientos

Abarrientos led the charge for Ginebra with 17 points, including two free throws that settled the final score as Meralco’s CJ Cansino couldn’t convert a game-tying four-pointer.

Justin Brownlee had 15 points, five rebounds and five assists and Stephen Holt scored 13 for Ginebra, which led by 17 in the second half before foiling Meralco’s uprising.

Cansino scored 15 and Raymond Almazan posted 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Bolts.