The stage is set for a winner-take-all showdown in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup. The Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the Converge FiberXers will face off in a decisive rubber match this evening, December 28, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The game tips off at 7:30 P.M., with the coveted fourth seed and a spot in the semifinals on the line.
Abarrientos's Heroics Force Decisive Game Three
The series was pushed to a third and final game thanks to a spectacular Christmas Day performance from Converge's young guard, RJ Abarrientos. He exploded for 35 points to lead the FiberXers to a convincing 105-85 victory over Ginebra, tying the quarterfinal series at 1-1 and canceling the Gin Kings' twice-to-beat advantage.
Ginebra's head coach, Tim Cone, was full of praise for Abarrientos's game-changing effort. The stellar outing from the Converge star has now set up a single, high-stakes encounter where the winner advances to the Final Four and the loser's conference comes to an end.
Converge's Historic Hurdle and Ginebra's Response
History adds an extra layer of pressure for the Converge franchise. Despite reaching the quarterfinals seven times in their history, the team has never advanced to the PBA Final Four. This game represents a chance to break that long-standing barrier.
Converge coach Delta Pineda reminded his team that the twice-to-beat edge they overcame was a blessing, but not a guarantee. "Before, I told the players that this twice-to-beat was a blessing given to us," Pineda stated. "And it will not be given to us easily; we still need to work for it." His words underscore the mindset needed to finally break through to the semifinals.
On the other side, the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings are determined to regain control of the series. After having their chance to close it out spoiled, the popular crowd favorites aim to reset, refocus, and extinguish Converge's momentum to secure their own place in the next round.
What's at Stake in the PBA Philippine Cup
Tonight's game is more than just another playoff match. Key implications include:
- A Semifinal Berth: The victor earns the right to face the top-seeded team in the best-of-seven Philippine Cup semifinals.
- Historic Breakthrough: For Converge, a win would mark their first-ever trip to the PBA Final Four.
- Ginebra's Title Defense: The Gin Kings look to continue their quest to defend or add another All-Filipino championship to their legacy.
All eyes will be on the Smart Araneta Coliseum as these two determined teams battle for survival in the PBA's premier all-local tournament. Expect a physical, emotional, and thrilling conclusion to this tightly contested quarterfinal series.
