Barangay Ginebra was glad to see Isaac Go put together a vital performance in Game 1 of their 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series with sister team San Miguel Beer on Tuesday.
Go’s 14 points and four rebounds in 19 minutes helped the Gin Kings take a 104-95 win at Smart Araneta Coliseum, delivering perhaps his best game since returning from a knee injury last March.
He was glad to step up, especially when his two triples set up Ginebra’s pullaway, while also sharing the duties of guarding June Mar Fajardo.
‘It’s always a pleasure. It’s an honor when you get to play not only in the quarterfinals, but against San Miguel and June Mar,’ said Go. ‘How often do you get the chance to play the GOAT of your sport, of your league? You know, just grabbing every opportunity to go up against him.
‘You have to play your best, and sometimes your best may not be enough because he is the GOAT. Again, 10,000 points, how many thousand rebounds. The list goes on and on. And really, you’re just going to treasure these moments against him.’
Assistant coach Richard del Rosario was pleased to see Go play a huge role that may have seen shades of his days when Terrafirma made a rare playoff appearance in the 2024 Philippine Cup.
‘It’s a big thing because we need size, especially playing a team like San Miguel. And it’s good for Isaac. Skills-wise, he’s not the most athletic player, but he uses his mind to play,’ said Del Rosario.
‘And that’s a big lift. He followed the game plan to perfection, as Coach Tim said in the first half, and he continued that in the second half. Now, our challenge is if we could sustain it for the rest of the series.’