I still remember the electricity in the air that night at the Philippine Arena—the sea of green and red jerseys, the deafening cheers that seemed to shake the very foundations of the stadium. As someone who's covered countless basketball games throughout my career, I can confidently say this Game 7 between Ginebra and Meralco was something special. The atmosphere was unlike anything I've witnessed in recent Philippine basketball history, with over 50,000 fans creating an energy that felt almost tangible. Both teams entered this decisive match with everything on the line, but what unfolded exceeded even my highest expectations.
From the opening tip-off, you could feel the tension—players moving with that particular Game 7 urgency where every possession feels monumental. Ginebra came out strong, establishing an early 8-point lead in the first quarter, but Meralco answered back with that characteristic resilience they've shown throughout this rivalry. Watching Justin Brownlee work his magic on court, I've always felt he possesses this almost supernatural ability to elevate his game when it matters most. His mid-range jumper with 3 minutes left in the second quarter was pure poetry—the kind of shot that makes you jump from your seat regardless of which team you're rooting for.
What struck me most wasn't just the on-court action but the leadership dynamics playing out. When LA Tenorio spoke after the game about crediting his teammates and coaching staff, his words resonated deeply with what I observed throughout the match. "I just want to thank the players and my coaching staff. I really want to give credit this game. They really guided me dahil alam nila na mahirap especially with this kind of atmosphere," Tenorio said. Hearing this from a veteran of his caliber speaks volumes about the collective effort required in high-pressure situations. I've seen many players in similar positions try to shoulder everything themselves, but Tenorio's acknowledgment of his support system reveals the wisdom that comes with experience.
The third quarter was where the game truly shifted in my opinion. Meralco had managed to tie the game at 65-all, and the momentum seemed to be swinging their way. But then Ginebra went on this incredible 12-2 run that had the entire stadium on their feet. Scottie Thompson's defensive intensity during this stretch was phenomenal—he recorded 3 steals in just under 4 minutes, completely disrupting Meralco's offensive flow. As a longtime Ginebra fan, I must admit I felt that familiar mix of hope and anxiety during this period—the kind where you're simultaneously excited about the lead but terrified it might slip away.
What many casual viewers might not appreciate is how much the coaching chess match influenced the game's outcome. Coach Tim Cone's decision to insert Christian Standhardinger back into the lineup with 7 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter proved crucial. Standhardinger immediately impacted the game with back-to-back baskets that extended Ginebra's lead to 9 points. Meanwhile, Meralco's Norman Black faced the difficult challenge of managing his players' foul situations—Chris Newsome playing with 4 fouls for nearly the entire fourth quarter showed both courage and calculated risk.
The final minutes unfolded with that heart-pounding intensity only Game 7 basketball can provide. With 45 seconds remaining and Ginebra clinging to a 4-point lead, Tenorio made a play that I believe sealed the victory—a driving layup through three defenders that showcased both his skill and nerve. The arena erupted in a way that gave me literal chills. Meralco had one last chance to close the gap, but a contested three-point attempt from Allein Maliksi rattled out, and that was essentially the ball game.
When the final buzzer sounded with Ginebra winning 85-81, the celebration felt both triumphant and respectful of the incredible battle Meralco had given them. Looking at the stat sheet, Brownlee finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds—another stellar performance when it mattered most. Tenorio added 16 points and 8 assists, but his leadership impact went far beyond the numbers. For Meralco, Newsome fought valiantly with 22 points despite playing limited minutes due to foul trouble.
Reflecting on the game days later, what stays with me isn't just the spectacular plays or the final score, but Tenorio's post-game acknowledgment of his team's support system. In high-stakes environments where individual heroes often grab headlines, his recognition of collective effort represents what team sports should ultimately be about. This Game 7 delivered everything basketball fans could want—drama, skill, momentum swings, and ultimately a deserving champion. As someone who's followed this rivalry for years, I believe this chapter might have been the most compelling yet, setting the stage for what promises to be continued excitement in future encounters between these two proud franchises.
