Barangay Ginebra may have missed its chance to close out San Miguel Beer, but head coach Tim Cone remains encouraged by the character his players displayed when their backs were against the wall.

The Gin Kings suffered a 101-98 setback in Game 3 of their PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series at the City of Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite. The loss prevented Ginebra from completing a sweep and gave the Beermen another opportunity to extend their postseason campaign.

Still, Cone saw more than disappointment in the result.

The veteran tactician was pleased with how his team responded after struggling to keep pace with San Miguel during the early stages of the contest. Instead of accepting defeat when the Beermen built a substantial advantage, Ginebra continued searching for ways to get back into the game.

That determination nearly produced a memorable comeback.

The Kings eventually reduced the deficit and put themselves within striking distance during the closing minutes. Their late surge created a tense finish, with Ginebra getting opportunities to either force overtime or snatch the victory.

For Cone, the effort was something worth recognizing, even if the outcome did not favor his squad.

He expressed satisfaction with the players’ willingness to keep fighting despite the difficult circumstances, emphasizing that their response reflected the competitive spirit he expects from the team.

However, the coach also knows that determination alone will not be enough to secure a series victory.

Ginebra must now combine its energy with improved execution when the two teams meet again in Game 4.

The Gin Kings had several chances to complete their rally, but their offensive mistakes prevented them from fully capitalizing on the momentum they created.

Missed opportunities from the field, difficulties protecting the basketball and unsuccessful attempts from the free-throw line all contributed to the narrow defeat.

Those details became particularly important during the final possessions, when every successful shot could have changed the direction of the game.

Ginebra guard RJ Abarrientos provided a spark as the Kings attempted to erase the deficit. His scoring helped bring the team closer, giving the crowd and his teammates reason to believe that a comeback remained possible.

Scottie Thompson also had an opportunity to send the contest into overtime with a three-point attempt, but the shot failed to find its target.

Abarrientos later came close to completing a four-point play that could have given Ginebra a dramatic victory. His attempt, however, bounced off the rim, leaving the Kings without the breakthrough they needed.

The missed shots were painful reminders of how quickly playoff games can turn.

Cone acknowledged that his team had opportunities to change the result, but the Kings could not convert when the game was on the line.

Rather than allowing the defeat to erase the positives, the coach wants his players to carry their fighting attitude into the next contest while addressing the mistakes that hurt them.

Ginebra’s comeback effort demonstrated that the team could remain competitive even when facing a significant deficit. That resilience could prove valuable as the series continues, particularly against a San Miguel squad that has regained confidence after avoiding elimination.

The Beermen entered Game 3 needing a victory to keep their championship hopes alive. Their ability to protect their advantage against Ginebra’s late rally showed why the matchup remains difficult for both sides.

With the series still unfinished, San Miguel will attempt to build on its breakthrough performance and force a deciding game.

Ginebra, meanwhile, has the opportunity to respond immediately.

The Kings must avoid giving the Beermen another comfortable start and find a way to maintain offensive consistency throughout the contest. Better ball movement and more reliable shooting could help prevent the late-game pressure they experienced in Game 3.

Cone’s message is clear: the team should not abandon the qualities that brought it close to victory, but it must also learn from the mistakes that ultimately cost it the game.

The coach remains confident in his players’ ability to compete, especially after seeing them refuse to surrender despite the odds.

That confidence, however, comes with an expectation that the Kings will deliver a more complete performance.

Ginebra has already shown that it can make a difficult game interesting. The next challenge is to turn that determination into a result.

With another opportunity waiting in Game 4, Cone hopes his team can finish what it nearly accomplished and secure its place in the semifinals.

For the Gin Kings, the pride they earned from their fightback must now become motivation.

The coach appreciates the effort, but the mission remains unfinished.

And this time, he wants Ginebra to get the job done.