MANILA (UPDATED)— Barangay Ginebra San Miguel scored a victory as they continue with their preparations for the upcoming PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup.

The Gin Kings defeated the New Taipei Kings in a friendly, 91-87, late Wednesday evening (Manila time) in the Macau International Basketball Challenge.

Leading the Tim Cone-coached squad was Japeth Aguilar who posted 23 points, 2024 Rookie Draft RJ Abarrientos fired 20 markers including a clutch triple for his new club, while Ginebra newcomer Stephen Holt finished with 19 points, 14 of which came in the first half.

Also standing out was rookie and former Ateneo Blue Eagle Paul Garcia who had seven points including a timely basket for Ginebra in the clutch.

As Ginebra was up by one, 84-83, late in the game, Abarrientos hit a dagger trey at the 2:10 mark to extend their lead to four, 88-84.

And despite Taiwan answering with their own triple in their following possession to cut the Gin Kings’ lead to one, Garcia converted a much-needed bucket to allow his squad to maintain a three-point lead, 90-87.

Holt split his charities when he was fouled as the Kings looked to extend the game, but the four-point lead that the former TerraFirma Dyip star made was enough for them to score a win for the Filipinos who were in attendance in Macau.

Earlier, after holding a 14-point lead in the opening frame, the Gin Kings and the Kings went toe-to-toe throughout the whole game with Abarrientos and Holt doing damage for BGSM.

Aguilar also had his fair share of contributions in that span, but Ginebra suddenly saw themselves down by seven early in the final quarter, 75-68.

An Aguilar putback with over seven minutes left in the contest then allowed his squad to cut the lead to three, 78-75, while a Garcia midrange jumper in the following play got them to within one.

The Taiwanese put out the fire in their next possession with a made basket to regain a three-point cushion, but Holt and Aguilar answered with consecutive buckets to finally overtake New Taipei, 81-80.

On the other hand, there are those who contend that the absence of Brownlee has somehow “weakened” the competition, making it easier for Ginebra to win. Critics point out that Brownlee is a game-changer and a dominant force, and his absence has undoubtedly affected the league’s balance of power.

Regardless of the perspectives, one thing is clear: Ginebra’s performance without Brownlee has added a new layer of intrigue to the PBA. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges has earned them respect, but it has also sparked a conversation about the league’s competitive landscape.

As the season progresses, the debate is likely to intensify. Will Ginebra continue to dominate without Brownlee? Can other teams find ways to challenge the Kings’ supremacy? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this controversy will keep fans engaged and passionate about the PBA.