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Tag: PBA

  • San Miguel braces for fired-up TNT as old Finals rivalry takes center stage again

    San Miguel braces for fired-up TNT as old Finals rivalry takes center stage again

    History looms large as San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang 5G find themselves back on a familiar collision course, with pride, payback, and unfinished business shaping the narrative of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals.

     

    Fresh off a convincing 101–88 closeout of Barangay Ginebra in Game 6 of the semifinals, the Beermen know the next challenge won’t simply be about talent or tactics. For head coach Leo Austria, the danger lies in the motivation TNT brings into yet another championship showdown.

     

    “I think they are thinking how to get back at us,” Austria said after the win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    That sense of looming retaliation is rooted in recent memory. Just a season ago, San Miguel denied TNT the Philippine Cup crown in six games, a defeat that also crushed the MVP Group flagship’s bid for a rare Grand Slam. It was a familiar wound for TNT, echoing a painful chapter from 2011 when a Petron Blaze-led San Miguel side — powered by Arwind Santos — once again spoiled the Tropang Texters’ championship dreams.

     

    Now, with both franchises once more standing at the sport’s biggest stage, the rivalry carries added emotional weight.

     

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    San Miguel earned the rematch by putting away the league’s most popular team, thanks largely to CJ Perez’s explosive 41-point outing — a career-high performance that underlined the Beermen’s ability to find firepower from unexpected places.

     

    Yet despite the momentum, Austria is far from complacent. The veteran coach is keenly aware of TNT’s championship pedigree and the confidence that comes from sustained success.

     

    “Alam naman natin how hard it is to defeat TNT, especially with their experience in the last three conferences. They were in the Finals,” he said.

     

    What gives Austria reassurance heading into the best-of-seven series, which tips off Wednesday, is the identity his team has quietly built. With June Mar Fajardo nursing shoulder concerns, the spotlight has shifted toward San Miguel’s supporting cast — and they have responded.

     

    Don Trollano, Jeron Teng, and Mo Tautua’a have all delivered timely contributions, turning depth into a defining advantage rather than a contingency plan.

     

    “That’s very important for any team. If you noticed every game namin, yung won games namin, iba’t iba ‘yung nagiging Best Player of the Game,” Austria explained.

     

    “That’s a sign na ang bench ay kailangang-kailangan. Talagang nagpe-perform sila eh, to the point na yung trust ko sa kanila, nae-enjoy nila,” he added.

     

    “It’s a sign for them to be confident and inspired sa ginagawa namin.”

     

    As the Finals stage is set once more, San Miguel prepares not just for TNT’s schemes, but for a rival fueled by memory and motivation. For fans, it’s another chapter in a rivalry defined by heartbreak, dominance, and the thin line separating revenge from repeat.

     

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  • Troy Rosario battles groin injury ahead of must-win Game 6 vs San Miguel

    Troy Rosario battles groin injury ahead of must-win Game 6 vs San Miguel

    With the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals hanging in the balance, Troy Rosario finds himself at a crossroads between grit and caution. 

     

    The Barangay Ginebra forward, nursing a pulled groin, is weighing whether he can take the floor in Game 6 against San Miguel — a must-win contest for the Gin Kings as they fight to extend the series.

     

    Coach Tim Cone remains uncertain about Rosario’s availability, describing him as a game-time decision after an MRI scheduled for Thursday will determine the extent of the injury.

     

    “He’s having an MRI to find out the extent of his tear,” Cone said. “Game time decision for tomorrow (Friday).”

     

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    The 33-year-old veteran suffered the injury early in Game 5, a contest that saw him limited to just 11 minutes of play, producing a single point and rebound. Rosario made a brief return at the start of the third quarter, but the coaching staff ultimately decided to pull him back to avoid further risk.

    Despite the setback, Rosario has been an important contributor this season, averaging 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game. 

     

    His potential presence in Game 6 carries more than just numbers — it represents a blend of leadership, experience, and the toughness Ginebra may need to force a deciding Game 7.

     

    For Rosario, the choice is more than physical. It’s about whether his body can withstand the intensity of an elimination battle while carrying the hopes of a franchise that cannot afford another loss. With the Gin Kings facing their moment of truth, fans will be watching closely to see if their stalwart forward can answer the call.

     

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  • PBA Semifinals: Barangay Ginebra vs San Miguel Beermen — Game 6 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    PBA Semifinals: Barangay Ginebra vs San Miguel Beermen — Game 6 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    After five tightly contested games, the classic rivalry between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer has once again delivered the drama expected of two of the PBA’s most decorated franchises.

     

    San Miguel enters Game 6 holding a 3–2 series lead, putting the defending champions within striking distance of another Philippine Cup Finals appearance. The Beermen seized control of the series with a gritty Game 5 win, surviving a furious late rally by Ginebra that tested their composure down the stretch. That victory underscored what has separated San Miguel so far — depth, execution in crunch time, and the calming presence of veterans who have been through this stage countless times.

     

    At the center of it all is June Mar Fajardo, who has gradually imposed his will inside as the series has progressed despite dealing with shoulder issues. His ability to command double teams has opened up scoring lanes for CJ Perez, whose slashing has kept Ginebra’s defense honest, and Marcio Lassiter, who finally found his rhythm from the perimeter in Game 5. Chris Ross remains the series’ quiet disruptor, setting the defensive tone and consistently forcing Ginebra into tough late-clock situations.

     

    Ginebra, however, has shown throughout the series that it is never truly out of a game. The Gin Kings clawed back from double-digit deficits multiple times, most notably in Game 5 when they cut an 12-point gap down to two in the final seconds. Scottie Thompson has been the heartbeat of the Kings, stuffing the stat sheet while igniting fast breaks through hustle plays. RJ Abarrientos has provided timely shot-making, while Japeth Aguilar and Stephen Holt have delivered stretches of scoring that kept Ginebra within striking distance.

     

    Still, inconsistency has haunted Ginebra. Extended scoring droughts, missed free throws, and late-game turnovers have swung momentum back to San Miguel at critical moments. If the Gin Kings are to force a decisive Game 7, they will need a full 48-minute effort — sharper defensive rotations, better rebounding against Fajardo and Mo Tautua, and cleaner execution when the pressure peaks.

     

    For San Miguel, the challenge is avoiding complacency. Closeout games often bring a different kind of pressure, especially against a Ginebra squad that thrives on chaos and emotional swings. Expect head coach Leo Austria to emphasize ball security and disciplined shot selection, knowing that one strong early run could deflate Ginebra’s hopes.

     

    With legacies, pride, and a Finals berth on the line, Game 6 shapes up as another bruising chapter in a rivalry that rarely disappoints.

     

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    Sportsbook Odds (from online betting markets):

    • Moneyline: San Miguel Beermen ~ 1.71, Barangay Ginebra ~ 2.02

       

    • Point Spread: San Miguel Beermen –2.5 (~1.85), Barangay Ginebra +2.5 (~1.79)

       

    • Total (Over/Under): 189.5 points (~Over 1.80 / Under 1.83)

       

    Prediction:

    San Miguel Beermen

    San Miguel’s experience and depth give them a slight edge in closing out the series at home, especially after they weathered Ginebra’s surge in Game 5.

     

    Best Bet:

    San Miguel Beermen –2.5

    Lean:

    Over 189.5

     

    With both teams capable of putting up points in bursts — and Ginebra needing urgency to stay alive — the total could be a compelling play.

     

     

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  • 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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  • Missed call draws swift response as PBA suspends ref after Game 5 controversy

    Missed call draws swift response as PBA suspends ref after Game 5 controversy

    The final seconds of TNT’s dramatic Game 5 escape against Meralco didn’t just decide a series—they also triggered swift accountability from the league.

     

    Less than 24 hours after the Tropang 5G sealed a 99–96 victory in the Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, the PBA Commissioner’s Office announced disciplinary action against referee Jeff Tantay, citing a missed call that could have altered the outcome of the contest.

     

    Tantay has been suspended after failing to whistle a foul on Calvin Oftana during a critical defensive sequence against CJ Cansino with roughly 8.4 seconds remaining. 

     

    At the time, Meralco was pressing for a potential go-ahead basket, and the no-call came during a shot attempt that would have sent the Bolts to the line had it been ruled a foul.

     

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    Following a postgame review, the league’s technical committee determined that contact was significant enough to warrant a whistle. Tantay, who was positioned along the baseline, did not make the call—an omission that immediately became a focal point as TNT closed out the game moments later.

     

    While the league acted quickly in issuing the suspension, the length of the penalty remains under discussion. The Commissioner’s Office is still weighing whether Tantay will be sidelined for the remainder of the conference or face a shorter suspension, underscoring the seriousness with which the PBA is treating the lapse.

     

    The decision reflects the league’s ongoing effort to reinforce officiating standards, particularly in high-stakes playoff moments where a single possession can define an entire series. Though the ruling does not change the result of Game 5—or Meralco’s elimination—it sends a clear message that missed calls in crucial moments will not go unchecked.

     

    As the Philippine Cup moves closer to crowning a champion, the incident serves as a reminder that in playoff basketball, accountability extends beyond the players on the floor.

     

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  • Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Painful lessons fuel CJ Cansino after career-high game turns into loss 

    Meralco guard CJ Cansino had just authored the best scoring night of his young PBA career, yet the numbers offered little comfort after the Bolts’ 99–96 Game 5 loss to TNT, a defeat that ended both their semifinal run and Cansino’s first taste of postseason spotlight.

     

    He scored 36 points on an efficient 60-percent clip, a breakout performance that placed him squarely in the center of the moment. But basketball’s cruel timing meant that his misses came when they mattered most, and Meralco’s season slipped away in the final seconds.

     

    “Sobrang regret din. Andun na, e,” said the 26-year-old, still processing how close the Bolts came to extending the series.

     

    The night could have easily ended differently—and Meralco might not have even been in position to steal the win without Cansino’s fourth-quarter explosion. 

     

    He poured in 17 points in the final period, igniting a 20–5 run that erased a double-digit deficit and gave the Bolts a 95–91 lead with just 27 seconds remaining.

     

    For a moment, it looked like a coronation.

     

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    Instead, TNT leaned on its playoff pedigree. Rey Nambatac and Jordan Heading delivered under pressure, flipping the script with clutch execution to secure the Tropang 5G’s first Finals berth of the season-opening conference.

     

    The final possessions told the harshest story. Cansino lost the ball on a steal by Heading that led to the go-ahead basket. Moments later, Calvin Oftana blocked his attempt, and on Meralco’s last chance, a forced four-point try failed to connect.

     

    Cansino didn’t shy away from the responsibility.

     

    “Mabigat pero sobrang teaching moments sa akin ito. Laking opportunity na binigay sa akin na matuto ako sa ganitong bagay,” said Meralco’s first-round pick from the Season 49 draft.

     

    For all the regret, there was also clarity. This was Cansino’s first 30-point game in the PBA, achieved on the biggest stage of his career so far, in his first-ever semifinals appearance. The moment exposed both his ceiling—and the work still ahead.

     

    “Hindi man namin nakuha yung panalo, pero on the good side, the positive side, sobrang laking itinuro sa akin ng semis na ito.”

     

    It was a loss that stung deeply, but also one that redefined him. For CJ Cansino, the blood and heartbreak of Game 5 may end up marking the beginning of something bigger rather than the end of a season.

     

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  • Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    Chot Reyes: “We are going to be underdogs” as TNT enters PBA finals

    The TNT Tropang Giga clinched a berth in the 2025 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals after edging the Meralco Bolts, 99–96, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven semifinal series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, January 14.

     

    Jordan Heading powered the Tropang Giga with a game-high 31 points, while Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Calvin Oftana added 12 and 10 points, respectively, to secure the hard-fought victory. The win sends TNT to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference.

     

    Despite their consistency on the big stage, head coach Chot Reyes emphasized that TNT will enter the championship round as underdogs regardless of whether they face San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra.

     

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    “It’s going to be a big shift in mindset, because to be very honest coming into this series, we were slightly favored to win. But going into the next series, whether it’s San Miguel or Barangay Ginebra, we are going to be underdogs, obviously, because they have the size,” Reyes said in the postgame press conference.

     

    “We don’t have their size, their depth, their talent, and then the crowd support. But like Jordan said, that’s something we cannot control. Right now, our focus is going to be our rest and our recovery, and preparing as best we can while waiting for the result of the other series,” he added.

    TNT will have a brief respite before the finals begin, and Reyes is hoping the break gives Roger Pogoy enough time to recover from a left hamstring injury. Pogoy exited Game 4 clutching the hamstring and was sidelined for Game 5.

     

    “Hopefully, but you know how this pulled hamstring is, you know, that’s very unpredictable. It really is going to depend on how quickly he can heal,” Reyes noted.

     

    The veteran coach reiterated that TNT will not rush Pogoy back into action unless he is fully ready.

     

    “One thing that’s sure is that we are not going to rush him back. We are not going to rush him back. And we are going to play him when he is ready. We are not going to force the na medyo 50% or 60% okay siya. So we are not going to risk that.

     

    “It’s not only the healing of the muscle itself or whatever, but it’s also gaining back your strength on that leg. You have the ability to push off that, to put weight on it. So it’s not only the healing of the pulled muscle, the hamstring, but also the strengthening,” he concluded.

     

    The PBA has yet to release the finals schedule, and TNT now awaits the outcome of the other semifinal clash between Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel—an intense series poised to go down to the wire.

     

     

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  • PBA Semis: San Miguel takes Game 5, TNT punches finals ticket after twin semifinal thrillers 

    PBA Semis: San Miguel takes Game 5, TNT punches finals ticket after twin semifinal thrillers 

    The PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals delivered a night of tension, momentum swings, and championship-level poise—one series edging closer to its conclusion, the other ending in dramatic fashion.

     

    At the SMART Araneta Coliseum, San Miguel Beer moved within one win of the Finals, holding off a furious Barangay Ginebra rally for a 115–109 victory in Game 5 to seize a 3–2 edge in their best-of-seven series.

     

    For much of the night, the Beermen appeared in control, building what looked like a comfortable 111–99 lead late in the fourth quarter. But Ginebra refused to fold. A stepback triple by RJ Abarrientos with 13.4 seconds left sliced the margin to just two, turning what seemed like a settled game into a pressure cooker.

     

    The tension peaked moments later when CJ Perez missed both free throws, opening the door wider for a potential collapse. San Miguel survived the scare through hustle and experience. An offensive rebound kept possession alive, and June Mar Fajardo calmly knocked down two free throws to restore breathing room at 113–109 with 8.3 seconds remaining.

     

    On the next sequence, Chris Ross and the Beermen defense sniffed out a play designed for Abarrientos, forcing a crucial turnover. Marcio Lassiter then iced the game at the line with 1.1 seconds left, sealing a win defined as much by composure as talent.

     

    Fajardo led San Miguel with 21 points and 11 rebounds, continuing to assert himself despite lingering shoulder issues. Perez added 20 points, while Mo Tautuaa provided an unexpected spark with 18 points and nine rebounds.

     

    Lassiter chipped in 16 points, his best showing of the series, and Don Trollano added 13 as five Beermen finished in double figures. Ross filled the gaps with nine points, eight assists, and timely defensive plays.

     

    Ginebra’s comeback fell short, but not without a fight. Scottie Thompson posted 20 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, while Abarrientos tallied 18 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. Stephen Holt and Japeth Aguilar added 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the Kings showed the resilience that has defined their postseason identity.

     

    San Miguel now gets a chance to close out the series in Game 6 on Friday, January 16, once again at the Big Dome.

     

     

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    Earlier in the evening, the semifinals produced a finish just as dramatic—but with finality.

     

    TNT booked its fourth straight Philippine Cup Finals appearance, stunning Meralco with a 99–96 escape in Game 5 to wrap up the series, 4–1, through a breathtaking late-game surge powered by Jordan Heading and Rey Nambatac.

     

    Down 96–91 with only 27.7 seconds remaining, TNT looked finished. Nambatac had other plans. He buried a clutch four-point shot, then moments later, Heading jumped a passing lane, stole the ball from CJ Cansino, and finished a go-ahead layup that flipped the game on its head.

     

    Two more free throws by Nambatac and missed opportunities by Meralco on the other end completed the collapse, sending the Tropang 5G back to the Finals.

     

    Heading delivered a masterclass with 31 points on 11-of-20 shooting, along with three steals, including the decisive takeaway. Nambatac added 25 points, shooting efficiently and providing the composure TNT needed when the season was on the line.

     

    The comeback spoiled a career night from Cansino, who poured in 36 points and nearly dragged Meralco to victory. But his two late misses and a turnover in the final possessions proved costly after the Bolts had surged ahead behind a 20–5 run that turned an 86–76 deficit into a 95–91 lead.

     

    TNT’s path to the Finals was anything but straightforward. After racing to a 19–4 start, the Tropang 5G found themselves trailing 50–46 at halftime, then staring at elimination late before flipping the script in stunning fashion.

     

    The win sends TNT back to the Philippine Cup Finals after falling to San Miguel in last season’s championship series—setting the stage for a potential rematch, should the Beermen finish the job.

     

    With one Finals berth secured and another hanging in the balance, the PBA semifinals once again proved why the road to the title is rarely straightforward—and never short on drama.

     

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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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