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Tag: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

  • Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Chris Ross urges San Miguel to fix late-game lapses after Game 5 escape

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen moved one step closer to securing a return trip to the finals after grinding out a 115–109 victory over rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of their semifinal series on Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    The Beermen, who are attempting to extend their dominance in the league’s most prestigious conference, leaned heavily on their veteran core and championship poise to withstand multiple Ginebra runs. Six-time and record-setting PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo once again delivered a steady and commanding performance, finishing with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. His presence in the paint opened opportunities for his teammates, allowing San Miguel to build a sizable lead early in the game.

     

    Jaymar Perez continued his impressive postseason showing with 20 points, finding ways to attack Ginebra’s interior defense and providing crucial baskets whenever San Miguel’s offense stalled. Mo Tautuaa added 18 points, showcasing his versatility and physicality in the frontcourt, while Marcio Lassiter contributed 16 points, knocking down timely three-pointers that helped steady the Beermen when Ginebra mounted its late charge.

     

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    Despite controlling much of the game, San Miguel couldn’t fully put Barangay Ginebra away. After establishing a lead that ballooned to as much as 17 points, the Beermen momentarily lost focus, opening the door for Ginebra to storm back behind their trademark never-say-die mentality. In the final minutes, the Gin Kings managed to trim the deficit to just four points, forcing San Miguel to regroup and lock in defensively to secure the win.

     

    Veteran guard Chris Ross acknowledged the concerning pattern of allowing opponents back into games, emphasizing that the team must address the issue immediately—especially with a finals berth within reach.

    “I feel like in every game, we have pretty much had a double-digit lead. And I don’t know if it’s relaxing or if they play desperate, but they do something to get back in the game. I mean, it’s Ginebra. So they are going to do something to get back in the game,” Ross said.

     

    “So we just got to weather the storm when we do get those leads and keep our composure. And we did that today. We had some bad turnovers. Me, in particular, I think I had way too many. But we will fix it and come back ready,” he added.

     

    Ross, regarded as one of the league’s premier defensive guards and vocal leaders, also highlighted the importance of containing Ginebra’s bench production—an area that has heavily influenced the momentum of the series.

     

    “I told the guys, I tell them before every game, before we run out there, that if we outscore their bench, we have a really good chance of winning. Because the two games that their bench played really well, they won. And the two games, those other games where we matched their intensity or outplayed their bench, we won.

     

    “So their bench is really key in this game because their starters are really good. And their bench is what’s going to keep them level. So we matched their intensity and we came out with the win today,” Ross concluded.

     

    The Beermen now hold a 3–2 series lead and are just one win away from clinching another finals appearance. However, Ginebra is known for thriving under pressure and has a history of forcing deep, dramatic finishes in playoff battles. With both teams eager to avoid a nerve-wracking winner-take-all Game 7, the stage is set for an intense and high-stakes showdown.

     

    Game 6 is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where the Beermen will attempt to close out the series, while the Gin Kings fight to keep their championship hopes alive.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Tim Cone praises Barangay Ginebra’s fight despite Game 5 loss to San Miguel

    Defending Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup champions, San Miguel Beermen, inched closer to defending their title with a hard-fought 115–109 win over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 5 of the semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Record PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo spearheaded the Beermen with 21 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists, while Jaymar Perez (20 points), Mo Tautuaa (18 points), and Marcio Lassiter (16 points) provided crucial support down the stretch.

     

    Despite the loss, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone praised his squad for their resilience, noting their late-game surge that cut San Miguel’s 17-point lead to just four in the closing seconds.

     

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    “We were looking for a miracle in the end and we didn’t get one. Got to appreciate the guys for the fight when they fought back in the game. We made crucial turnovers all throughout the whole game that we could have made runs. It just wasn’t our night. We were fumbling the ball. Ball wasn’t going in for us. Our guys continued to fight and battle. Just came up and short,” Cone said in the postgame press conference.

    With the series now standing at 3–2 in favor of San Miguel, the two PBA powerhouses are set for a decisive Game 6. Interestingly, the last Game 6 showdown between these rivals was in last season’s Philippine Cup, where Ginebra prevailed thanks to a clutch three-pointer from veteran point guard LA Tenorio.

     

    Cone is hoping history might repeat itself in favor of the Gin Kings.

     

    “Now, we are basically in the same situation we were last conference except that it is flipped. We were up, 3–2. Now they are up, 3–2. They were able to beat us two in a row. We see if we can flip the script and see if we can beat them two in a row. We can’t get to Game 7, winner-take-all, unless we take care of Game 6. That’s where our focus is going to be,” Cone added.

     

    The much-anticipated Game 6 between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra is scheduled for Friday, January 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams fighting to avoid a winner-take-all Game 7.

     

     

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  • Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Tim Cone calls San Miguel “legendary,” stresses mental hurdle for Barangay Ginebra

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum in the tightly contested series but also highlighted the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, while also recording 11 rebounds and 11 assists, completing a spectacular triple-double that showcased his all-around impact. Beyond his scoring, Thompson’s court vision, playmaking, and defensive presence allowed Ginebra to dominate on both ends of the floor. The point guard’s performance underscored why he is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and clutch players in the league, capable of carrying his team through high-pressure playoff games.

     

    While Thompson commanded the spotlight, wingman Jayson David provided a critical spark off the bench. Playing roughly 27 minutes, David chipped in 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists. His game-high plus-minus of +22 reflected the tangible impact he had on both ends of the court, helping Ginebra maintain control during key stretches and energize the team whenever the Beermen attempted to close the gap.

     

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    San Miguel, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm offensively. Star center June Mar Fajardo had an uncharacteristic night, scoring just nine points on 3-of-14 shooting. Despite his scoring woes, Fajardo still contributed a strong 20 rebounds and five assists, showing his usual presence on the glass and ability to facilitate his teammates. However, the Beermen’s reliance on Fajardo’s scoring proved costly, as Ginebra capitalized on their perimeter shooting and fast-break opportunities.

     

    Following the win, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone emphasized the challenge of facing a team of San Miguel’s caliber, praising their consistent excellence and legendary status in the league.

    “June Mar had a tough night. I didn’t know if it was his shoulders or what, but he was missing shots he normally takes. We will take that, whatever advantage we can get. They are a legendary team in the All-Filipino. June Mar is legendary, and it’s quite intimidating to play them,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    Cone elaborated on the depth and experience of the Beermen roster, noting the presence of multiple All-Stars and former champions.

     

    “There is Chris Ross, Marcio Lassiter, and CJ Perez, then June Mar. That’s a formidable team. Then you add Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, so it’s really tough,” he added.

     

    The veteran coach admitted that the greatest challenge in facing San Miguel is not just talent but mentality—a lesson Ginebra learned the hard way during a seven-game Philippine Cup series in Season 49, when they fell to the Beermen in the semifinals.

     

    “The biggest problem we have with this team is just believing that we can beat them. That is the hardest thing for us to overcome. We need to internalize the idea that we can beat them, and that’s really the biggest battle we need to overcome,” Cone concluded, underscoring the psychological hurdle that accompanies taking on one of the league’s most decorated franchises.

     

    Ginebra’s Game 4 triumph not only evened the series at 2–2 but also sent a message that the Gin Kings are capable of matching San Miguel blow for blow. With the series shifting momentum and both teams vying for a crucial advantage, the remaining games promise to be highly competitive, showcasing the intensity, skill, and drama that have defined this longstanding PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • Legendary or Humble? Scottie Thompson downplays career-best performance

    Legendary or Humble? Scottie Thompson downplays career-best performance

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a performance for the ages.

     

    Thompson erupted for a career-high 35 points, while adding 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable win. His triple-double was a display of offensive dominance, but it also highlighted his all-around contributions—facilitating teammates, creating opportunities, and anchoring Ginebra’s defense.

     

    Significantly, Thompson’s feat marked the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve this rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference. Thompson’s performance thus cemented itself as a historic moment in PBA history.

     

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    Despite making history, Thompson remained humble, crediting teamwork and timing for his standout night.

     

    “Luckily, it was a good night for me. We just fought hard and battled every quarter. We found our rhythm as a team, and that’s what is most important. We lifted each other and stayed together,” Thompson said in the postgame press conference.

    “Every game is different, but our approach and intensity remain the same,” he added.

     

    However, Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone didn’t hold back in praising Thompson’s effort, calling it “legendary.”

     

    “It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this for a very long time. There is no doubt it was legendary. He was more aggressive tonight, and that made him more of a threat, which opened up passing lanes for him,” Cone said.

     

    Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense stifled San Miguel’s key scorers, keeping the Beermen from closing the gap. Beyond Thompson, supporting players stepped up in critical moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14. The winner will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more vital.

     

    If Game 4 proved anything, it’s that Barangay Ginebra possesses the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied PBA rivalry.

     

     

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  • Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson named PBA Player of the Week for January 4 to 11

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel roared back in emphatic fashion to even its best-of-seven semifinal series against longtime rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a commanding 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win not only restored Ginebra’s momentum but also showcased the brilliance of star point guard Scottie Thompson, who delivered a historic performance for the ages.

     

    Thompson exploded for a career-high 35 points, complemented by 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering the Gin Kings to a comfortable victory. His triple-double display was not only a dominant offensive show but also highlighted his all-around contributions in facilitating teammates and anchoring the team’s defense.

     

    Thompson’s feat is the first time since the early 1990s that a local Filipino player has scored more than 30 points in a triple-double game. The last to achieve the rare milestone was Alaska rookie—and current Barangay Ginebra assistant coach—Johnny Abarrientos, who accomplished it in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference, cementing Thompson’s performance as a historic moment in PBA history.

     

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    For his exceptional showing, Thompson earned the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week honors for the period of January 4 to 11, averaging 20.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game during the week. He edged out notable rivals including San Miguel Beermen’s Don Trollano, TNT Tropang Giga’s Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram, earning unanimous recognition from the scribes covering Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

    “I think we fought hard, we battled every quarter. Luckily, I think it’s just a good night for me. Yung rhythm namin as a team is important especially on the defensive end and that’s the main key. Overall, we got the W and lucky for me. We lifted up each other, we helped each other and we stayed through ups and downs,” Thompson reflected after the win, emphasizing the importance of teamwork alongside his personal brilliance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone heaped praise on Thompson, calling his display a “legendary performance” and underscoring the guard’s humility despite the historic feat.

     

    “It was a legendary performance. I think we are going to remember this one for a long time. Scottie is the most humble guy you would meet, maybe outside of June Mar Fajardo. No doubt it’s a legendary performance. I think he came out and he was more aggressive tonight. He was looking for things and the more he became a threat, the more he was able to open the lanes and make passes as well,” Cone said.

     

    Thompson’s dominance allowed Ginebra to control the pace of the game, while the team’s defense limited the Beermen’s key scorers, preventing San Miguel from closing the gap. Alongside Thompson, supporting players stepped up at crucial moments, showing the depth and resilience of the Gin Kings roster.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied 2-2, all eyes turn to the pivotal Game 5, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The winner of the next game will seize momentum heading into the latter half of the series, making Thompson’s form and Ginebra’s collective effort all the more critical.

     

    If Game 4 proved anything, it is that Barangay Ginebra has the talent, cohesion, and star power to rise to the occasion. With Thompson leading the charge and the team firing on all cylinders, fans can expect an electrifying showdown in the next chapter of this storied rivalry.

     

     

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  • “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    “Reminds me of Jimmy Butler”: Jayson David earns high praise from Tim Cone

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel bounced back in emphatic fashion to knot its best-of-seven semifinal series against long-time rival San Miguel Beermen, taking Game 4 with a 105–91 victory on Sunday, January 11, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Star point guard Scottie Thompson delivered a performance for the ages, exploding for a career-high 35 points alongside 11 rebounds and 11 assists, powering Ginebra to a comfortable win.

     

    While Thompson stole the spotlight, head coach Tim Cone also highlighted the contributions of wingman Jayson David, who provided a crucial spark off the bench. David finished with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, three rebounds, three steals, and seven assists in roughly 27 minutes, posting a game-high plus-minus of +22.

     

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    Cone shared that David’s style of play has long reminded him of NBA and Golden State Warriors superstar Jimmy Butler.

    “I had a short conversation with Jayson before the game. I just told him that he has got to let the game come to him a little bit. Sometimes he gets so excited and plays a little bit beyond himself. But when he allows the game to come to him, he is so dynamic,” Cone said in the post-match press conference.

     

    “I always tell him that he reminds me of Jimmy Butler. And the kind of game he plays. He is wide-bodied. Can play bigger than he is. And very versatile, so he has always reminded me of Jimmy way back when. But now he’s getting an opportunity to show that at this point,” he added.

     

    David has steadily earned a vital role for Ginebra this conference, averaging 8.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 steal per game across four semifinal outings.

     

    “He is not as good as Jimmy Butler. But relative to our league, he plays a very similar game. Similar type game,” Cone concluded.

     

    For his part, David downplayed the praise, saying he is simply focused on helping the team win.

    “Wala naman nang pressure yung ganoon. Kumbaga, pinuri niya ako, e di thank you. Gusto ko lang talaga makatulong sa team namin. Yun lang, gusto ko lang ibigay ko yung best ko. Kumbaga andito na ako, sayang punta,” David said.

     

    With the series now tied at 2-2, the pivotal Game 5 is set for Wednesday, January 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

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  • PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    PBA Semifinals: Scottie Thompson’s 35-point triple-double lifts Ginebra, Poy Erram powers TNT closer to Finals

    Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena felt less like a routine semifinal slate and more like a referendum on belief, balance, and timing.

     

    On one end of the floor, Scottie Thompson authored a performance that instantly etched itself into PBA lore. On the other hand, a long-overdue breakout from Poy Erram reshaped another series entirely. By night’s end, both Barangay Ginebra and TNT had rewritten the momentum of their respective matchups in emphatic fashion.

     

    Ginebra’s 105-91 comeback win over San Miguel was not merely about survival—it was about perspective. Down by as many as 14 early, the Kings leaned on their emotional compass, and Thompson responded with the most complete game of his career.

     

    The former MVP poured in a career-high 35 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists, steering Ginebra back from the brink and knotting the series at 2-2. 

     

    The triple-double placed him in rare air, a feat last achieved by Ronnie Magsanoc during the 1990 All-Filipino Conference, per league statistics.More than the numbers, it was the timing that defined Thompson’s night. 

     

    His nine points during a decisive 12-3 run flipped a fragile one-point San Miguel edge into a commanding Ginebra cushion midway through the fourth. From there, the Kings never looked back.

     

    Yet this was not a one-man rescue. Japeth Aguilar’s steady 14 points and six rebounds stabilized the interior, while Norbert Torres’ trio of triples—including the shot that finally pushed Ginebra ahead for good—punctured San Miguel’s resistance. 

     

    Jayson David and RJ Abarrientos added pace and polish, and the Kings’ 34 assists reflected a team rediscovering its identity at precisely the right moment.

     

    For San Miguel, CJ Perez’s 22 points and Chris Ross’ 20 kept them competitive, but the Beermen struggled to generate consistent offense beyond their guards. June Mar Fajardo, limited by both defensive pressure and sore shoulders, endured another rare single-digit scoring night, though his 20 rebounds underscored his continued influence in other areas.

     

    With the series reset, Game 5 now looms as a referendum on which version of each team is real.

     

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    If Thompson’s game was about legacy, Poy Erram’s was about timing.

     

    Entering Game 4 averaging just two points for the conference, Erram erupted for 27 points on near-perfect efficiency as TNT dismantled Meralco, 102-83, to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead. He scored 21 in the first half alone, immediately setting the tone for a bounce-back performance after TNT’s previous stumble.

     

    Even with Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading struggling to find rhythm, the Tropang 5G thrived on collective execution. Their role players filled the gaps, their defense suffocated Meralco’s options, and their early control never truly wavered.

     

    The win was made more impressive—and complicated—by injuries on both sides. TNT lost Roger Pogoy early to a hamstring injury, while Rey Nambatac remained limited. Meralco, meanwhile, had to cope without Chris Newsome, sidelined by an MCL sprain, a void that proved too large to overcome despite Chris Banchero’s 19-point effort.

     

    By the end of the night, two narratives were clear: Ginebra had rediscovered its heartbeat through Thompson’s brilliance, and TNT had found an unexpected pillar in Erram at the most crucial moment.

     

    In a semifinal round increasingly shaped by depth, durability, and decisive bursts, Sunday served as a reminder that championships are often swung not by who is expected to deliver—but by who does when it matters most. 

     

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  • Tim Cone blasts Barangay Ginebra’s bench after Game 2 loss to San Miguel

    Tim Cone blasts Barangay Ginebra’s bench after Game 2 loss to San Miguel

    San Miguel Beermen mounted a furious second-half rally to take Game 2 of their best-of-seven Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinal series, defeating long-time rivals Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 93–84, on Wednesday, January 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory allowed the Beermen to tie the series at 1–1 and regain momentum after dropping the opener.

     

    Jeron Teng, a former University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) standout, emerged as the unexpected spark for San Miguel. Coming off the bench, Teng delivered 13 points—12 of which came in the pivotal fourth quarter—igniting a comeback that stunned the Ginebra crowd. Teng’s aggressiveness down the stretch proved critical as he attacked the rim, absorbed contact, and made timely baskets when San Miguel needed them most.

     

    Don Trollano also rebounded from a quiet Game 1 performance, adding 12 key points and stabilizing the Beermen offense during crucial stretches. San Miguel’s improved bench production proved to be one of the biggest storylines of the night, flipping the script from the series opener.

     

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    Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone did not mince words when discussing the defeat, expressing frustration over the dip in contributions from his second unit. In Game 1, Ginebra’s bench outscored San Miguel’s reserves 54–29 in their 99–90 victory. But in Game 2, the tables turned. San Miguel’s bench exploded for 44 points, while Ginebra managed only 37—an imbalance Cone pointed to as the decisive factor.

    “We didn’t do things well tonight. We have to figure it out and see if we can come out better,” Cone said during the postgame media availability. “Our bench did not play well tonight. Nobody from our bench played well tonight.”

     

    Cone acknowledged the inconsistency that often comes with relying heavily on reserve players but remained hopeful that adjustments could be made.

     

    “That’s kind of typical with benches and guys coming off it. They will be great one night and maybe not on the second night. Hopefully, we can come back and compete better in the third game,” he added.

     

    The defeat highlighted areas of concern for Ginebra, particularly on defense and ball movement in the second half. The team struggled to contain San Miguel’s drives and allowed too many second-chance opportunities, while their own offense stagnated late in the game. 

     

    Meanwhile, the Beermen will look to build on their improved execution and energy. With Teng stepping up and the bench firing, head coach Jorge Gallent now has added confidence in his team’s depth as the series intensifies.

     

    With the semifinals now tied at 1–1, both squads head into Game 3 with renewed urgency. The crucial third meeting is scheduled for Friday, January 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where momentum—and potentially the direction of the series—will be up for grabs.

     

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  • PBA Semis: TNT tightens grip, SMB strikes back to even series

    PBA Semis: TNT tightens grip, SMB strikes back to even series

    The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals began to show clearer contours on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with TNT asserting control in one series while San Miguel Beer answered back in the other.

     

    This time, there was no need for late drama from the Tropang 5G. After surviving a 21-point hole in Game 1, TNT flipped the script in Game 2 and delivered a commanding 109–92 win over Meralco to seize a 2–0 edge in their best-of-seven showdown. 

     

    From the opening minutes, the Tropa dictated pace, found rhythm on both ends, and steadily widened the gap—pulling away decisively in the third quarter to move within two wins of the Finals.

     

    Calvin Oftana once again set the tone, pouring in 26 points and seven rebounds as TNT’s steady engine. He was far from alone. Jordan Heading added 24, highlighted by a four-point bomb, while the supporting cast overwhelmed the Bolts with balance and depth. 

     

    Kelly Williams and Roger Pogoy chipped in 12 apiece—Pogoy draining all his points from long range—while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser contributed 11 points and six boards.

     

     In all, 12 different Tropang 5G players made their way into the scoring column, a testament to TNT’s collective rhythm after a grinding series opener.

     

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    If TNT took control in one bracket, San Miguel Beer made sure its own series didn’t slip away. The Beermen regrouped from their opening loss and leaned on timely contributions across the board to outlast Barangay Ginebra, 93–84, evening their semifinal duel at one game apiece.

     

    After struggling to find help in Game 1, San Miguel’s support crew came alive when it mattered most. Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz sparked a pivotal third-quarter push, before Jeron Teng seized the spotlight in the final frame. 

     

    Teng delivered a massive lift off the bench, finishing with 13 points—12 of them coming in the fourth quarter—along with five rebounds and three assists.

     

    The former La Salle standout was central to a decisive 13–5 run that turned a one-point edge into a commanding 80–71 cushion midway through the fourth, allowing the Beermen to wrest control and never look back. Trollano and Cruz finished with 12 and 11 points, respectively, easing the burden on San Miguel’s stars.

     

    June Mar Fajardo continued his dominant stretch regardless, posting 21 points and 23 rebounds for his third straight 20-20 outing, while CJ Perez added 11 points and five boards. This time, though, the Beermen’s victory hinged on balance rather than survival.

     

    On the other side, Ginebra leaned heavily on Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos, who scored 18 points each, with Norbert Torres adding 10. The rest of the Kings’ offense struggled to find consistency, including Ralph Cu, who was limited to just three points after his Game 1 breakout.

     

    With TNT holding a commanding lead and San Miguel restoring parity, the semifinals now head into a crucial stretch. Game 3 of both best-of-seven series is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Big Dome, where momentum—and perhaps separation—will again be up for grabs.

     

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  • Momentum, Adjustments, and Urgency: Game 2 stakes rise in both PBA Philippine Cup semifinals

    Momentum, Adjustments, and Urgency: Game 2 stakes rise in both PBA Philippine Cup semifinals

    Game 1 offered a warning shot rather than a verdict, and as the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals head into Game 2, both series have shifted from feeling-out affairs to tests of urgency, composure, and adjustment.

     

    For TNT and Meralco, the opener was a study in how slim the margins can be—even on an off night. The Tropang 5G escaped with a 100–95 win despite their main shooters misfiring badly from deep. 

     

    TNT’s perimeter gunners—Calvin Oftana, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, and Rey Nambatac—combined for just 4-of-26 from three, numbers that normally spell defeat. Instead, TNT survived by changing the math of the game, relentlessly attacking the rim and piling up 47 free-throw attempts compared to Meralco’s 12.

     

    That imbalance flipped a game Meralco once controlled. The Bolts raced to a 21-point lead behind energy, execution, and confident shooting, but couldn’t sustain it deep into the second half. Head coach Luigi Trillo didn’t sugarcoat the collapse.

     

    “That thing (tight ending) should not happen when you go up by 20. That should be a step on the throats and done game. And we didn’t do that. We allowed them to come back,” said Trillo.

    For Meralco, Game 2 at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum is less about tactical tweaks and more about sustaining edge and discipline.

     

    “Maybe, we have to be a heavy-duty team. We need to go down with humility and see that to beat this team, we have to not let go of the gas pedal,” Trillo added.

     

    TNT, meanwhile, knows the Game 1 result cuts both ways. Yes, they’re up 1–0—but they also won without their offensive engines clicking. Chot Reyes made it clear that kind of start is not something they want to repeat.

     

    “We saw that with the kind of energy, execution, even their three-point shooting in the first half. They were really primed for it. We got a first-hand taste of that,” said Reyes. “So hopefully in Game 2, we are more ready to play from the start because I don’t think we can bring this kind of game to Game 2 and expect to come up with the same result.”

     

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    Across the bracket, San Miguel Beer enters Game 2 against Barangay Ginebra with a similar sense of urgency after absorbing a 99–90 loss in the opener. Rather than dwell on the defeat, coach Leo Austria framed it as a necessary jolt.

     

    “Game 2, siguradong it would be an exciting game for us,” said Austria. “Parang na-wake up call na kami and they (his Beermen) know na mahirap ma-zero-two.”

     

    Ginebra’s win was built on balance and timely contributions. RJ Abarrientos, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Norbert Torres, and surprise spark Ralph Cu all made life difficult for San Miguel, even as June Mar Fajardo delivered a dominant 27-point, 23-rebound performance in just 30 minutes.

     

    The concern for San Miguel lies beyond its star center. The Beermen’s bench—league-best at 57.5 points per game entering the semis—was held to just 29, compounded by a costly 15-of-31 outing from the free-throw line. Injuries also played a role, with Don Trollano battling a sore back, Jericho Cruz dealing with a hamstring issue, and Mo Tautuaa limited by a shoulder injury.

     

    “Dapat talaga hindi ko gagamitin si Mo dahil one week siyang hindi nakapag-practice,” Austria explained. “Kinausap ko na rin siya at sinabi kong kahit depensa, rebounds tumulong siya dahil gusto namin sanang ma-preserve si June Mar.”

     

    Ginebra coach Tim Cone isn’t expecting San Miguel to stay quiet for long, especially Trollano, who entered the series averaging over 16 points per game.

     

    “Game two is going to be a completely different game,” said Cone. “He’s probably gonna come out and go 10-for-15 in the next game… June Mar had a great game and Don had an off-game tonight.”

     

    Austria echoed that belief, pointing to his team’s mindset heading into Game 2.

     

    “Kinausap ko na sila at nakikita ko naming walang nakatungo, puro upbeat. Mga excited na makabawi dahil alam nilang magiging mas mahirap sa amin pag natalo ulit.”

     

    With both semifinals now clearly defined by what went wrong—and what could go right—Game 2 looms as a pivotal swing night. For Meralco and San Miguel, it’s about proving Game 1 was an aberration. For TNT and Ginebra, it’s about showing they can respond when the counterpunch inevitably comes.

     

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