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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • Jericho Cruz played through an Achilles injury throughout San Miguel’s entire PBA Finals run

    Jericho Cruz played through an Achilles injury throughout San Miguel’s entire PBA Finals run

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt less like a question of if and more a matter of when. What began as a tightly contested battle gradually evolved into a familiar sight for PBA fans: San Miguel asserting its will, dictating the pace, and closing the door with championship poise. By the time the final buzzer sounded inside a packed Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again perched atop the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming their status as one of the league’s most enduring and decorated dynasties.

     

    Powered by another commanding performance from June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. The victory sealed a 4-2 series triumph and added yet another championship banner to a franchise that continues to define sustained excellence in Philippine basketball.

     

    While Fajardo emerged as the obvious hero, San Miguel’s success was very much a team effort, exemplified by star shooting guard Jericho Cruz, who revealed that he played through the entirety of the Finals while dealing with a lingering Achilles injury.

     

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    “To those who don’t know, I think in most games, my Achilles hurts. Earlier, I even had a shot to keep playing because I couldn’t take it anymore. Sometimes I get too scared because I’m thinking of the negatives, like it might snap, so sometimes, I get really bothered,” Cruz said during a media interaction.

    Cruz’s discomfort was especially evident in Game 6, where he went scoreless in nearly 14 minutes on the floor. Despite the pain, the 35-year-old veteran expressed gratitude that his teammates rallied around him, ensuring San Miguel could secure the title.

     

    “Our doctors said it was tendinitis and sometimes, it swells up real badly but I never lost hope. Our veterans were there to step up and I’m still happy because we are champions again,” he added.

     

    The exact severity of Cruz’s injury remains unclear, and it is uncertain whether he will be fit to lead Guam in the second window of the upcoming 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, which is set to start in the second week of February. His participation could be pivotal, not just for Guam, but for fans hoping to see one of the PBA’s most reliable veterans bring his experience to the international stage.

     

    For San Miguel, the Finals victory underscores not only the enduring dominance of Fajardo and the Beermen but also the resilience of its supporting cast — a group willing to battle through injuries, adversity, and pressure to add yet another championship to the franchise’s storied history.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    Leo Austria deflects praise after San Miguel’s Philippine Cup title win

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen wrestled control of the game on Sunday night, the result felt less like a looming possibility and more like an approaching certainty. What began as a tightly contested battle gradually turned into a familiar sight for PBA fans: San Miguel asserting its will, dictating the pace, and closing the door with championship poise. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside a packed Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again perched atop the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming their place as one of the league’s most enduring and decorated dynasties.

     

    Powered by another commanding performance from June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. The victory sealed a 4-2 series triumph and delivered yet another championship banner to a franchise that continues to define sustained excellence in Philippine basketball.

     

    As he has done countless times on the biggest stage, Fajardo set the tone with his dominance in the paint. The eight-time Most Valuable Player authored a masterclass, finishing with 29 points and a massive 23 rebounds, overwhelming TNT’s frontline on both ends of the floor. His presence dictated the tempo, stabilized San Miguel during critical stretches, and ultimately broke the resistance of a Tropang Giga squad that struggled to find answers once the Beermen surged ahead in the second half.

     

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    San Miguel’s methodical pull-away reflected not just talent, but championship maturity. After a competitive opening half, the Beermen tightened their defense, controlled the boards, and capitalized on second-chance opportunities—areas where Fajardo’s impact was unmistakable. TNT fought valiantly, but the Beermen’s execution and composure proved decisive down the stretch.

     

    The Philippine Cup crown marked San Miguel’s 31st championship in its illustrious PBA history, further cementing the franchise’s status as the league’s gold standard. It was also a milestone night for head coach Leo Austria, who climbed to third place in the all-time winningest coaches list in PBA history.

    The title was Austria’s 11th championship as a head coach, moving him level with TNT Tropang Giga’s Chot Reyes and Norman Black. Only two names now stand ahead of him: the late coaching legend Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan, who ranks second with 15 titles, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Tim Cone, who sits alone at the top with a remarkable 25 PBA championships.

     

    Despite his growing list of accolades, Austria remained characteristically humble, deflecting praise and emphasizing the collective effort behind San Miguel’s continued success.

     

    “The real stars here are the San Miguel Beermen players. Because of them, I looked good again as a coach,” Austria said.

     

    The triumph also marked San Miguel’s eighth Philippine Cup title since 2015, a stretch that underscores the team’s remarkable consistency in the league’s most prestigious, All-Filipino conference. Team governor Robert Non was quick to echo Austria’s sentiments while also stressing that the coach’s accomplishments deserve greater recognition.

     

    “Coach Leo is the one I consider as one of the top PBA coaches. I don’t know why he is not cited but with these 11 championships, he now ties coach Chot. It’s a milestone win in a milestone season for the PBA. That’s back-to-back All-Filipino titles and hopefully, we get to win back-to-back in Season 50,” Non added.

     

    As the PBA celebrates its golden season, San Miguel once again stands as a symbol of longevity, discipline, and championship culture. With Fajardo still anchoring the middle and Austria continuing to steer the ship, the Beermen have shown that even after decades of dominance, their hunger for titles remains very much intact.

     

     

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  • “We are doing this all for San Miguel”: June Mar Fajardo prioritizes championships over individual accolades

    “We are doing this all for San Miguel”: June Mar Fajardo prioritizes championships over individual accolades

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of “if” and more a question of “when.” By the time the final buzzer echoed through the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), affirming their status as one of the league’s most decorated and dominant franchises.

     

    Central to San Miguel’s triumph was June Mar Fajardo, whose imposing presence in the paint and consistent all-around excellence carried the Beermen to a 92-77 victory over TNT Tropang Giga, clinching the 4-2 series win in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s performance in Game 6—a staggering 29 points and 23 rebounds—was a reminder of why he remains the face of Philippine basketball. Time and again, he demonstrated his ability to influence the game on both ends of the floor, whether by dominating the boards, scoring efficiently, or anchoring the defense.

     

    Adding to the historic resonance of the night, PBA legend Ramon Fernandez, a former mentor of Fajardo, watched from courtside as his protégé delivered a performance for the ages. In a symbolic moment linking past and present, Fajardo was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor—a fitting tribute to both the legend and the league’s current standard-bearer. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award, a record-breaking achievement that surpasses the four-time winners Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and cements his place as the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    The victory also marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, reinforcing his standing among the league’s all-time greats. While he has approached the legendary mark of 19 titles set by Fernandez, Fajardo remains focused on the present and his contributions to the team rather than chasing records.

    “Chasing titles is not on my mind. What I aim for is winning championships. That’s what I want, I want to win more titles while I’m here. Of course, that record’s still pretty far away, right? I just want championships,” Fajardo said in a media interaction.

     

    He also highlighted the importance of the San Miguel legacy, crediting the team’s winning culture for his continued success.

     

    “Of course, before I got here, San Miguel already had its winning ways, right? So we are doing this all for San Miguel. We want to represent and help San Miguel win more championships. That’s what we want to do and that’s why we are here now,” he added.

     

    The Beermen’s latest title is a testament not only to Fajardo’s dominance but also to the depth, chemistry, and experience of the San Miguel roster. Veterans such as Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter provided steady leadership, while younger contributors stepped up in crucial moments, allowing Fajardo to impose his will in the paint. Together, the team exemplified a championship formula that combines star power, tactical discipline, and a culture of winning passed down over decades.

     

    For June Mar Fajardo, the focus remains singular: continuing to compete at the highest level and helping San Miguel capture more championships. While records and accolades are a natural byproduct of his sustained excellence, the towering center’s priorities are clear—winning titles for the Beermen and representing the franchise with pride.

     

    As the PBA season progresses, fans and analysts alike will continue to watch Fajardo’s pursuit of history, knowing that each championship brings him closer to further cementing his legacy among the greatest to ever play in the league.

     

     

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  • San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    San Miguel keeps door open for Bennie Boatwright return, but KBL stint poses as challenge 

    Winning back-to-back All-Filipino championships has barely slowed San Miguel Beer’s momentum, but even as celebrations fade, planning for the next grind is already underway.

     

    Coach Leo Austria confirmed that the Beermen remain actively engaged with Brandon Boatwright, the familiar import who once powered the franchise to a Commissioner’s Cup title. The interest is mutual, but timing—more than desire—has emerged as the biggest obstacle.

     

    Boatwright is currently locked into his campaign with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a commitment that stretches well into April. That calendar clash creates uncertainty for San Miguel, with the PBA Commissioner’s Cup scheduled to tip off on March 11, just days after the All-Star festivities.

     

    “May communication kami. But the problem now with him is his last game in the eliminations sa Korea will last until April 8,” Austria said moments after guiding San Miguel to another championship. 

     

    “Mag-uumpisa tayo March 11, so probably mami-miss niya at least yung four games.” 

     

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    It’s a familiar dilemma for a franchise that knows exactly what Boatwright can bring. The 29-year-old import was the backbone of San Miguel’s Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup run, anchoring a finals victory over Magnolia in six games. A reunion would immediately strengthen the Beermen’s bid to chase yet another title.

     

    Still, Austria made it clear that nothing is guaranteed. The realities of overseas contracts and shifting priorities mean the situation could change quickly.

     

    “We don’t know yet, pero baka mamaya biglang mag opt-out siya. So talagang kinakausap namin siya,” the veteran coach said.

     

    Despite the uncertainty, optimism remains. Austria shared that Boatwright has expressed enthusiasm about the idea of wearing a San Miguel jersey once more—if circumstances allow.

    “Last time na nakausap siya ng manager namin (Gee Abanilla), ang sabi niya he’s excited to come back here with San Miguel,” Austria said. “But we’re not sure kung siya talaga. Of course, may commitment yung sa kanyang team.”

     

    For now, the Beermen wait—balancing patience with preparation. Whether Boatwright’s return aligns with the Commissioner’s Cup timeline or not, one thing is clear: San Miguel is already thinking ahead, intent on keeping its championship window wide open.

     

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  • “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    “He is the reason why we have won many championships”: June Mar Fajardo praises Leo Austria

    From the opening tip, San Miguel Beer signaled that they were in full control on Sunday night, turning what could have been a tense Finals series into a showcase of dominance. By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen had once again cemented their status atop the PBA, defeating TNT, 92–77, to close out the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals in six games.

     

    At the heart of this triumph was June Mar Fajardo, the nine-time PBA MVP who has become synonymous with championship pedigree. Fajardo produced a performance for the ages, pouring in 29 points while pulling down 23 rebounds, demonstrating the kind of impact that only a generational talent can consistently deliver. His commanding presence on both ends of the floor lifted the Beermen when it mattered most, and it earned him the league’s first-ever Finals MVP trophy, named in honor of PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez, who watched the milestone moment from courtside.

     

    San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, true to form, deflected praise from himself, instead attributing the team’s success to his players. But Fajardo was quick to highlight the coach’s influence, insisting that Austria doesn’t get nearly enough credit for shaping the Beermen’s winning culture.

     

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    “He is one of the great coaches of the PBA. He hasn’t been given too much credit, but he is such a humble person and he is the reason why we have won many championships,” Fajardo said during the postmatch press conference.

    “He lets us play our game, and I guess that’s why the players were able to show what they can bring on the court. He is so composed, and it starts with practice because he really instills a lot of discipline,” he added.

     

    The path to this title almost seemed preordained. San Miguel dominated the elimination round with a 9-2 record, showcasing the depth and experience that would carry them deep into the playoffs. The Beermen dismantled NLEX in the quarterfinals and survived a tough semifinal battle against Barangay Ginebra, riding a 10-game winning streak that stretched from the eliminations into the playoffs. Even after a surprising loss in Game 1 of the Finals, the team never wavered, leaning on their veteran leadership, strategic depth, and Fajardo’s unparalleled ability to rise in high-stakes moments.

     

    This victory marks San Miguel’s second consecutive Philippine Cup crown, their eighth in the last 11 seasons, and the 31st championship in franchise history. Beyond the numbers, it’s a reaffirmation of an era—the Beermen are not just winning titles; they are defining a dynasty in Philippine basketball.

     

    With Fajardo anchoring the lineup, Austria guiding from the bench, and a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and emerging talents, San Miguel Beer continues to set the standard in the PBA. As the confetti settled and the Finals MVP trophy was hoisted, one thing became clear: this is a team that doesn’t merely chase championships—they reinvent excellence every season.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    June Mar Fajardo makes history, wins fifth PBA Finals MVP in San Miguel’s Philippine Cup victory

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen took control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a matter of “if” and more a matter of “when.” By the time the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing atop the Philippine Basketball Association, cementing its legacy as one of the league’s most dominant franchises.

     

    Central to the Beermen’s victory was June Mar Fajardo, whose towering presence in the paint and consistent all-around brilliance lifted San Miguel to a 92-77 triumph over TNT Tropang Giga, completing a 4-2 series victory in the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. Fajardo’s stat line—29 points and 23 rebounds in Game 6 alone—was a testament to his enduring dominance, and he repeatedly showcased why he is considered the face of Philippine basketball.

     

    Adding to the historic weight of the night, PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez watched from courtside as Fajardo delivered a performance befitting history. The league’s nine-time Most Valuable Player was awarded the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor, a fitting tribute to both the past and the present. Across the six-game series, Fajardo averaged 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game, earning his fifth PBA Finals MVP award—breaking the tie with Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap, and making him the player with the most Finals MVP trophies in league history.

     

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    Mar Fajardo expressed his deep honor at being the inaugural recipient of a trophy named after his idol.

    “Isang karangalan. Nakakatuwa isipin na ako yung kauna-unahang makakuha ng trophy na ‘to, na nakapangalan kay Don Ramon Fernandez. Siya mismo ang nag-abot sa akin ng trophy, kaya isang karangalan,” Fajardo said.

     

    The 36-year-old big man, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in PBA history, remains humble despite comparisons to Fernandez. While some circles even place him above the league legend, Fajardo insists that championships, not individual accolades, remain his primary focus.

     

    “For sure isa ‘to sa mga highlights ng championship na ‘to. Nasa taas ‘to ng trophy case ko. Isa siya sa mga nilu-look up ko. Hindi naman sa hinahabol ko, pero yung habol ko lang, championships. Gusto ko pang manalo habang nandito pa ako. Bago pa ako dumating sa San Miguel, may willing culture na. Tumulong lang talaga kami,” he added, reflecting on the team-first mentality that has defined San Miguel over the years.

     

    The Philippine Cup victory marked Fajardo’s 12th PBA championship, further solidifying his status among the league’s all-time greats. Despite this milestone, he still trails Fernandez, who captured a record 19 PBA titles over his illustrious career, the most in league history.

     

    Fajardo’s dominance, consistency, and humility exemplify why he is widely seen as a generational talent capable of redefining the PBA landscape. With the Finals MVP honor now permanently linked to his name in history alongside Fernandez, Fajardo’s legacy continues to grow, proving that even in his 30s, he remains the cornerstone of a franchise—and a standard-bearer for Philippine basketball excellence.

     

     

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  • “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to”: Rodney Brondial plays through injury to lead San Miguel to the Philippine Cup title

    From the moment the San Miguel Beermen seized control on Sunday night, the outcome felt inevitable—less a question of if and more a matter of when. By the time the final buzzer echoed inside the Mall of Asia Arena, San Miguel was once again standing on top of the Philippine Basketball Association, reaffirming its status as one of the league’s enduring dynasties.

     

    Behind another masterful performance from June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen defeated TNT Tropang Giga, 92-77, to clinch the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals, completing a 4-2 series victory and adding yet another championship banner to their storied history.

     

    Fajardo once again proved why he remains the gold standard in the league, delivering a dominant all-around effort with 29 points and 23 rebounds. The eight-time Most Valuable Player controlled the paint on both ends of the floor, dictating the tempo and anchoring San Miguel’s composure as the Beermen gradually pulled away in the second half.

     

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    While Fajardo’s brilliance set the tone, San Miguel also drew vital contributions from its supporting cast—none more timely than that of veteran power forward Rodney Brondial. Coming off the bench, Brondial provided a crucial spark, finishing with 15 points and 13 rebounds to give the Beermen added muscle and energy when the game hung in the balance.

    Brondial’s performance was made even more remarkable by the physical challenge he carried into Game 6. The 35-year-old revealed after the game that he had been playing through a sprained left ankle, an injury he sustained in Game 2 of the Finals on January 23.

     

    “Sobrang special ng championship na ‘to. Akala ko hindi na ako makakabalik kasi sobrang sakit talaga ng paa ko. Nung Games 3 and 4, medyo mababa yung contributions ko, kaya nung Game 5 bumawi talaga ako,” Brondial said.

     

    Despite the lingering pain and limited mobility, Brondial never considered sitting out the series finale. Fully aware of what was at stake, he pushed through the discomfort, determined to help San Miguel defend its Philippine Cup crown and finish the job against a resilient TNT squad.

     

    “May extra pressure kasi dine-defend namin yung korona, at mahirap talaga yun. Kaya sobrang special nito. Kaya ito, buhos na. Tiyaka ko na iindahin yung injury, yung sakit. Kaya thanks God, ipinagkaloob sa amin,” he added.

     

    Brondial’s grit and sacrifice embodied the Beermen’s championship mentality—a team built not only on star power, but on resilience, depth, and a shared commitment to winning. With veterans stepping up and leaders delivering when it mattered most, San Miguel once again showed why it continues to thrive on the league’s biggest stage.

     

    As confetti rained down at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen celebrated another hard-earned triumph—one forged through dominance in the paint, timely contributions from role players, and a refusal to yield despite adversity. In the league’s milestone season, San Miguel’s latest title served as a familiar reminder: when the stakes are highest, the Beermen still set the standard.

     

     

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  • Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    Kelly Williams opens up on retirement after TNT’s PBA Philippine Cup finals loss

    The TNT Tropang Giga were left nursing another painful Finals defeat after bowing to the San Miguel Beermen, 92-77, in Game 6 of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, February 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    The loss sealed the championship for San Miguel and ended TNT’s title bid, a bitter conclusion for a Tropang Giga squad that fought through a grueling conference. While emotions understandably ran high in the aftermath, veteran forward Kelly Williams made it clear that the setback—and his advancing age—are not enough to push him toward an immediate decision on retirement.

     

    At 43 years old, Williams acknowledged that the thought of walking away from the game is something he must eventually confront, but emphasized that it is far from his main concern at the moment.

     

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    “For as long as I’m here, I will always go out but it’s going to take some time to rest and recover. We will see what happens because retirement is obviously not off the table. I really don’t know for now,” Williams said during the post-match press conference.

     

    Despite struggling to find his rhythm offensively in the series-clinching loss, Williams once again demonstrated why he remains a valuable piece for TNT. Logging nearly 36 minutes of action in Game 6, the veteran showcased his conditioning, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work—traits that have defined his career for more than a decade.

    His heavy workload was a testament to the dedication he continues to pour into training and maintaining peak physical condition, even as one of the league’s oldest active players. For Williams, however, the immediate focus is not legacy or longevity, but recovery—both mental and physical—after another taxing season.

     

    “I will take some time to see where I’m at emotionally and physically. Right now, the priority is to rest and recover. We will see what happens soon,” he added.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Williams’ future is not unfamiliar territory. The veteran forward previously retired in September 2020, only to make a return to the TNT fold the following year, proving that his passion for the game still burned strong. Originally joining the Talk ‘N Text franchise in 2010, Williams spent nine seasons with the team before reuniting with the Tropang Giga in 2021.

     

    Throughout his tenure, Williams has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success. His impact goes well beyond box scores, as he has played a crucial role in TNT’s championship pedigree, helping the team capture nine PBA titles. Among those achievements was a historic Philippine Cup three-peat from 2011 to 2013, cementing his status as one of the most accomplished big men of his generation.

     

    Williams’ individual résumé is just as impressive. Over the course of his storied career, he has collected the 2008 PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, the 2007 Rookie of the Year honor, two Comeback Player of the Year awards, two Slam Dunk Contest titles, and five PBA All-Star selections. Each accolade reflects a career marked by resilience, athleticism, and an ability to reinvent himself as the years pass.

     

    Even in defeat, Williams continues to defy age and expectations, proving that his presence on the court—and in the TNT locker room—still matters. Whether this Finals loss marks another chapter or the closing pages of his remarkable journey remains to be seen, but for now, Kelly Williams is focused on healing, reflecting, and leaving the door open for whatever comes next.

     

     

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  • San Miguel claims PBA Philippine Cup title behind June Mar Fajardo’s monster game 

    San Miguel claims PBA Philippine Cup title behind June Mar Fajardo’s monster game 

    From the moment San Miguel Beer took control on Sunday night, the result felt less like a question and more like a matter of timing. When the final buzzer sounded at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen were once again champions—powered by a familiar force who continues to redefine dominance in the PBA.

     

    June Mar Fajardo authored yet another defining performance, pouring in 29 points and hauling down 23 rebounds to lift San Miguel to a 92-77 victory over TNT and a 4-2 closeout of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals. 

     

    With PBA legend and former mentor Ramon Fernandez watching from courtside, the league’s nine-time MVP delivered a night worthy of history, earning the first-ever Finals MVP trophy named in Fernandez’s honor.

     

    San Miguel dictated the tone early, racing to a commanding 26-10 lead by the end of the opening quarter and stretching the margin to as much as 21 points. TNT mounted a late push in the fourth period, briefly threatening to turn momentum, but Fajardo made sure the window stayed shut.

     

     His control of the paint and timely scoring steadied the Beermen, including a four-point stretch that capped an 8-0 run and pushed a slim 70-68 lead into a more decisive 78-68 cushion.

     

    The championship effort was far from a one-man show. CJ Perez played the role of steady secondary star with 19 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Rodney Brondial provided muscle inside with 15 points and 13 boards. 

     

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    San Miguel’s depth once again proved to be the separator when the game demanded poise.

    On the other side, TNT found sparks but not enough answers. Calvin Oftana caught fire from deep, finishing with 28 points and seven rebounds on 6-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc, while Jordan Heading added 14 points, hitting three triples of his own.

     

     Still, the Tropang 5G were left with another runner-up finish in the Philippine Cup—once again blocked by San Miguel’s championship machine.

     

    This title run felt almost preordained. San Miguel topped the elimination round with a 9-2 record, dispatched NLEX in the quarterfinals, outlasted Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals, and stitched together a 10-game winning streak that stretched from the eliminations into the playoffs. even after dropping Game 1 of the Finals, the Beermen never wavered, leaning on depth, experience, and a centerpiece who thrives when the stakes are highest.

     

    With its second straight Philippine Cup crown, eighth in the last 11 seasons, and 31st championship overall, San Miguel didn’t just win another title—it reaffirmed an era.

     

     And at the center of it all stood June Mar Fajardo, still carrying banners, still setting standards, and still reminding the league that dynasties don’t fade quietly. 

     

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  • CJ Perez urges San Miguel to raise the bar as TNT’s early blitz levels finals

    CJ Perez urges San Miguel to raise the bar as TNT’s early blitz levels finals

    San Miguel Beer has been here before — bruised, humbled, but far from broken.

     

    After watching their 2–1 Finals lead dissolve in a stunning 110–87 blowout at the hands of TNT Tropang 5G, CJ Perez made it clear that the Beermen’s biggest challenge heading into Game 5 isn’t strategy, but matching fire with fire.

     

    TNT’s response to its Game 3 heartbreak was immediate and overwhelming. From the opening tip, the Tropang 5G played as if the series depended on every possession, torching San Miguel’s defense with a scorching 67-percent shooting clip in the first quarter and ballooning the margin to as many as 35 points.

     

    By the time the Beermen tried to claw back, the damage was irreversible.

     

    “Sobrang laki na (ng hahabulin), so mahirap na talaga, lalo na Talk ‘N Text yung kalaban, so move on kami sa next game. Hopefully makuha namin yung panalo, kasi mahirap talaga kalaban TNT lalo na sa mga ganitong series,” Perez said, choosing reflection over frustration.

     

    For Perez, the lesson from Game 4 was blunt: TNT didn’t reinvent itself — it simply played harder, earlier.

     

     

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    “Actually, wala naman silang bagong ginawa eh,” Perez said. “Talagang yung physicality nandun pa rin, yung energy nila, yun lang naman talaga. Wala naman silang masyadong binago sa ginagawa nila.”

     

    “It’s just us na hindi kami naka-adjust,” he added. “Hindi namin nabigay yung effort namin ng maaga.”

     

    That lack of urgency showed even from San Miguel’s emotional leader. Coming off his Game 3 heroics — where he flipped the contest with seven clutch points in two possessions — Perez tried to set the tone early in Game 4, scoring six points in the opening quarter.

     

    But as TNT’s waves kept coming, Perez faded, finishing with just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting and four turnovers in nearly 34 minutes — a quiet night by his standards in a game that demanded defiance.

     

    Now, with the Finals reset into a best-of-three and Game 5 shifting to the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Perez knows the margins will only shrink.

     

    “Palapit ng palapit, syempre magiging mas intense pa yan. It’s up to us kung paano kami magre-respond sa every adjustment, sa physicality na ibibigay ng TNT,” he said.

     

    For San Miguel, the question is no longer about experience or pedigree — those are givens. The real test is whether the Beermen can match TNT’s urgency from the opening possession, not after the deficit has already grown. 

     

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