Barangay Ginebra escaped with a narrow 102-100 victory over TNT to take Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Wednesday night, June 3, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

Standout guard RJ Abarrientos delivered a team-high 24 points, while Justin Brownlee added 23 as Ginebra leaned on a balanced attack to draw first blood in the best-of-seven series.

The game came down to the final seconds after TNT erased a late deficit. With under 20 seconds remaining, Tropang Giga knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the contest at 100-all, setting up a tense finish.

But Ginebra responded with a decisive basket with 10 seconds left to restore a 102-100 lead. TNT then failed to convert in the closing possession, sealing the win for the Gin Kings.

The Gin kings showed grit throughout, holding off multiple TNT rallies after building a 13-point halftime advantage, 57-44. TNT trimmed the lead to seven entering the fourth quarter and continued to pressure down the stretch.

Jamie Malonzo contributed 16 points, Scottie Thompson added 15, and Maverick Ahanmisi chipped in nine for Ginebra.

McCullough led TNT with 25 points, while Roger Pogoy had 22 and Rey Nambatac added 19 in a losing effort. Calvin Oftana and Poy Erram each scored 12 points.

Ginebra led 30-25 after the first quarter and extended the advantage to double digits by halftime before TNT clawed its way back in the second half.

Game 2 is set on Friday, June 5, as TNT looks to bounce back and even the series.