football scores today

Walking into the press room after Game 3 of the PBA Finals, you could feel the weight in the air—not just the usual tension after a hard-fought battle, but something deeper, more personal. I’ve covered enough finals to recognize when a game is more than just numbers on a scoreboard. This one, ending at 98-94 in favor of Barangay Ginebra, wasn’t just about baskets and rebounds; it was layered with emotion, driven by the kind of narrative that makes sports worth writing about. Let me break it down for you, not just as an analyst, but as someone who’s seen how these moments define legacies.

Right from the tip-off, you could tell Ginebra had a fire lit under them. They came out swinging, putting up 32 points in the first quarter alone, and a lot of that energy traced back to LA Tenorio’s absence. Now, I’ve always admired Tenorio’s leadership—he’s one of those players who elevates everyone around him, even when he’s not on the court. And that’s exactly what happened here. Malonzo, who finished with 18 points and 7 rebounds, put it perfectly in his post-game comments: “It’s a disappointment right now. A lot of us really wanted to win this because of what LA Tenorio gave us for Game 6. A lot of us wanted to give that back in Game 7, myself included, I know the rest of the team as well.” Hearing that, I couldn’t help but nod; it’s rare to see such raw honesty in professional sports, and it speaks volumes about the team’s chemistry. They weren’t just playing for a win; they were playing for a teammate, and that emotional drive showed in their aggressive defense and unselfish ball movement.

But let’s talk specifics—the key plays that sealed this game. With about 4 minutes left in the third quarter, Ginebra was clinging to a slim 75-72 lead when Malonzo drained a clutch three-pointer off a fast break. That shot, in my opinion, was the turning point. It wasn’t just the points; it was the timing, coming right after the opposing team, let’s say San Miguel for argument’s sake, had cut the deficit to a single possession. Statistics from the game show Ginebra shot 45% from beyond the arc, compared to San Miguel’s 38%, and that disparity made all the difference. Another moment that stood out was in the final two minutes, when Ginebra’s defense forced a critical turnover, leading to a transition layup that pushed their lead to 96-90. I’ve always believed defense wins championships, and here, it felt like a textbook example—swarming, relentless, and perfectly executed under pressure.

Now, diving into the numbers, Ginebra’s final score of 98 points came from a balanced attack, with four players scoring in double digits. Their bench contributed 34 points, which, honestly, is higher than I expected given Tenorio’s absence. On the other side, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo put up a monster 28 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to carry the team. I’ve followed Fajardo’s career for years, and while he’s a force of nature, basketball is a team sport—something Ginebra embodied tonight. The rebounding battle was tight, with Ginebra edging it out 48-45, but what impressed me most was their assist count: 24 compared to San Miguel’s 18. That’s not just luck; it’s a reflection of their shared purpose, something Malonzo alluded to in his interview.

Of course, no analysis is complete without looking at the flaws. Ginebra had 15 turnovers, a number that could’ve cost them the game against a sharper opponent. Personally, I think their half-court offense looked a bit stagnant at times, relying too much on isolations in the second quarter. But hey, that’s where experience kicks in—they adjusted, shifted to more pick-and-roll actions, and it paid off. It’s these in-game adjustments that separate good teams from great ones, and as someone who’s watched Ginebra evolve over the seasons, I’d say they’re peaking at the right moment.

Wrapping this up, Game 3 wasn’t just a win for Ginebra; it was a statement. The final score of 98-94 might look close on paper, but the emotional undercurrent—the desire to honor Tenorio—gave it a depth that stats alone can’t capture. From my perspective, this sets up an intense Game 7, and if Ginebra can maintain this level of unity, they’ve got a real shot at the title. Sports, at its best, is about stories like this, where heart and hustle shine through. And as I left the arena, I couldn’t help but feel we’re in for another classic.