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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • CJ Perez turns MOA into his stage as San Miguel steals Game 3 from TNT 

    CJ Perez turns MOA into his stage as San Miguel steals Game 3 from TNT 

    Just when it looked like TNT had finally wrestled control of the night, CJ Perez decided the Finals still belonged to him.

     

    In a Game 3 that swung wildly by the quarter, Perez unleashed one of the most ruthless closing acts of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals, pouring in 17 of his 20 points in the fourth to drag San Miguel Beer past TNT, 95–89, and into a 2–1 series lead before a loud Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    San Miguel had already shown its teeth early, storming to a 33–16 first-quarter lead, only to lose the plot completely in the second. TNT punched back with a stunning 31–11 run, flipping the game on its head and heading into halftime up 50–44, with momentum firmly in Tropang 5G hands.

     

    The fourth quarter turned into a pressure cooker. After SMB let an 86–79 cushion evaporate, TNT briefly looked ready to seize full control. Rey Nambatac’s three with 1:17 left pushed TNT ahead, and moments later, a San Miguel shot-clock violation followed by Henry Galinato’s dunk gave the Tropang 5G an 89–86 edge with under a minute remaining.

     

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    That was when Perez went hunting.

     

    The former Finals MVP buried a massive four-pointer to wipe out TNT’s lead, then calmly drilled another triple to stretch San Miguel’s advantage to 93–89 with 12.3 seconds left, flipping desperation onto the other bench. TNT chased a miracle four to force overtime, but Jordan Heading’s attempt came up empty. Marcio Lassiter sealed the escape with ice-cold free throws in the final seconds.

     

    Behind Perez’s late explosion, Don Trollano chipped in 19 points, while June Mar Fajardo authored another monster night with 16 points, 27 rebounds, and three blocks, anchoring the Beermen through every swing of momentum.

     

    TNT had its chances. Calvin Oftana’s 25 points, including a late three that cut the deficit to two, kept the Tropang 5G alive deep into crunch time. But when the game demanded a closer, San Miguel had one ready to swing—and he didn’t miss.

     

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  • PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 2 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 2 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    Game 1 didn’t just give TNT Tropang 5G an early series lead — it reshaped the tone of this Finals. What looked like a runaway turned into a nerve-wracking finish, and by the final buzzer, it was TNT’s composure that stood tallest over San Miguel’s trademark late push.

     

    Now, with TNT up 1–0, Game 2 becomes a pressure game — especially for the Beermen.

    For three quarters on Wednesday night, TNT dictated everything. Pace, spacing, ball movement — all of it favored the Tropang 5G as they carved out a 19-point lead and had San Miguel scrambling. Their depth showed early, with waves of contributors keeping the floor balanced and the Beermen out of rhythm.

     

    But Finals basketball rarely follows a straight line.

     

    San Miguel did what San Miguel does. The Beermen slowed the game down, turned the paint into a wrestling match, and leaned on June Mar Fajardo to grind their way back. Twice in the final seven minutes, they were within a single point — and suddenly, TNT’s early cushion meant nothing.

     

    What separated Game 1, though, was TNT’s collective poise. There was no singular hero. Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser answered momentum swings with timely buckets, Kelly Williams stabilized the offense with veteran decision-making, and Jordan Heading — despite battling illness — calmly iced the game at the line. Six TNT players in double figures underscored how balanced their attack was.

     

    San Miguel, meanwhile, had enough chances to steal the opener. Missed opportunities late by Fajardo and Don Trollano proved costly, especially after defensive stops from Mo Tautua’a and Jericho Cruz briefly swung momentum back their way. The Beermen showed their championship DNA — but not enough finishing execution.

     

    Heading into Game 2, the storylines flip slightly.

     

    TNT will aim to clean up late-game execution and avoid letting another big lead evaporate. Their depth, ball movement, and ability to score by committee remain their biggest weapons — particularly with RR Pogoy still sidelined.

     

    San Miguel’s task is more urgent. Down 0–1, the Beermen must convert their late pressure into results. Expect sharper half-court execution, heavier inside touches for Fajardo, and a renewed emphasis on limiting TNT’s secondary creators. If the Beermen can turn their fourth-quarter surge into a full-game presence, the series can swing quickly.

     

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    Key Matchups

     

    TNT’s depth vs. San Miguel’s star power
     Six double-digit scorers won Game 1 for TNT. San Miguel needs its top guns to outweigh that balance.

    Late-game execution
     TNT survived crunch time once. San Miguel knows they let an opportunity slip.

    Interior battle
     Fajardo (24 points, 17 rebounds) was dominant again. The question is whether TNT can keep sending multiple bodies without giving up timely kick-outs.

     

    Sportsbook Odds (approximate)

     

    Moneyline
     San Miguel Beermen: ~1.70
     TNT Tropang 5G: ~2.05

    Point Spread
     San Miguel Beermen –2.5 (~1.88)
     TNT Tropang 5G +2.5 (~1.96)

    Total (Over/Under)
     Over 192.5 (~1.90)
     Under 192.5 (~1.92)

     

    Prediction

     

    San Miguel Beermen

    Game 1 showed TNT can control stretches — but it also showed San Miguel is never truly out of a Finals game. With urgency on their side and clear areas to adjust, the Beermen are poised to respond. Expect a tighter, more physical contest where San Miguel’s experience finally translates into a complete 48-minute effort.

     

    Best Bet

     

    San Miguel Beermen –2.5

    Down 0–1, San Miguel is unlikely to waste another close finish. Their ability to rebound from setbacks and tighten execution makes them a strong bounce-back play in Game 2.

     

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  • “May chance pa naman kami”: June Mar Fajardo stays optimistic after Game 1 loss

    “May chance pa naman kami”: June Mar Fajardo stays optimistic after Game 1 loss

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang Giga seemed to have Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals firmly under control. The Tropang Giga dictated the tempo, executed their game plan with precision, and built what looked like a comfortable lead against the San Miguel Beermen. But as is often the case in championship basketball, early dominance is rarely enough to secure victory. When the pressure mounted in the fourth quarter and the margin for error shrank, it was TNT’s composure, discipline, and timely execution that ultimately carried the day.

     

    TNT survived a furious late rally by the defending champions to escape with a 96–91 win in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The victory gave the Tropang Giga a critical 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series and immediately set the tone for what promises to be a hard-fought, tightly contested championship matchup.

     

    Offensively, TNT leaned on a balanced team effort, with six players scoring in double figures. The Tropang Giga consistently punished San Miguel whenever defensive lapses occurred, ensuring they stayed ahead despite the Beermen’s relentless push. While the scoring was evenly distributed, veteran forward Kelly Williams quietly anchored TNT’s performance on both ends of the floor. The former PBA Most Valuable Player finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists — numbers that only partially reflected his overall impact. Williams’ calm leadership and ability to make crucial plays under pressure helped keep TNT in control during San Miguel’s late surge.

     

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    For the Beermen, record-holding PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo continued to assert his dominance in the paint, delivering a monster 24-point, 17-rebound performance. Despite his valiant efforts, San Miguel fell short in the end. Still, Fajardo remains optimistic about the series, acknowledging that a single game does not determine the championship.

    “Long series ‘to. ‘Di magiging madaling series ‘to para sa’min. May chance pa naman kami. Malayo pa ‘yan. So kailangan naming mag-bounce back. Kailangan naming mag-regroup,” Fajardo said after the game.

     

    The Beermen found themselves trailing by as much as 19 points in the first half, but they showed why they are the reigning champions. With improved defensive pressure, sharper execution, and a renewed sense of urgency, San Miguel clawed their way back in the second half, eventually cutting TNT’s lead to a single possession in the final moments. The rally, while ultimately not enough, demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to adjust mid-game.

     

    Fajardo drew inspiration from his team’s comeback effort and believes San Miguel can carry that momentum into Game 2.

     

    “Yong bigs nila, tumitira sa labas. Ang dami nilang na-shoot na threes and ang laki ng hinabol naming noong first half. Talo kami sa first half pero panalo kami sa second half. Bawi na lang,” he said, highlighting the adjustments his team made in the second half and the lessons they will carry forward.

     

    Game 2 is scheduled for Friday, January 23, once again at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The Beermen will look to respond and level the series, while TNT will aim to build on its early momentum and tighten its grip on the championship. With both teams showcasing their depth, talent, and championship pedigree, fans can expect another thrilling encounter as the Philippine Cup Finals continues.

     

    As the series unfolds, attention will likely remain on TNT’s veteran leadership, San Miguel’s ability to adjust defensively, and how stars like Fajardo and Williams influence the series’ pivotal moments. One thing is certain: the battle for the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup is just beginning, and Game 2 promises to be another showcase of skill, strategy, and sheer determination.

     

     

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  • Leo Austria admits San Miguel’s bench struggles contributed to its Game 1 loss to TNT

    Leo Austria admits San Miguel’s bench struggles contributed to its Game 1 loss to TNT

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang Giga appeared to be firmly in control, dictating the pace and building what looked like a commanding cushion in the opening game of the Philippine Cup Finals. But as championship basketball often reminds, early dominance alone is rarely enough. When the pressure mounted and the margin for error shrank, it was TNT’s composure, discipline, and timely execution that ultimately sealed the result.

     

    The Tropang Giga survived a furious late rally by the San Miguel Beermen to escape with a 96–91 victory in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win handed TNT a 1–0 lead in the best-of-seven series and immediately underscored the tone of what promises to be a grueling, tightly contested championship duel.

     

    TNT leaned on a collective offensive effort throughout the night, placing six players in double figures and consistently punishing San Miguel whenever defensive breakdowns occurred. While the scoring was spread evenly, it was veteran forward Kelly Williams who quietly anchored TNT’s performance on both ends of the floor. The former PBA Most Valuable Player finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, numbers that only partially reflected his influence.

     

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    Williams’ most pivotal contributions came in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, when San Miguel was threatening to complete a dramatic comeback. With the Beermen gaining momentum, Williams calmly orchestrated the offense from the high post, delivering back-to-back drop passes to Aaron Ganuelas-Rosser for two crucial interior baskets. Those plays stretched TNT’s lead to 90–83, momentarily halting San Miguel’s surge and giving the Tropang Giga just enough breathing room to steady themselves down the stretch.

     

    After the game, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria pointed to the early stages of the contest as the decisive factor, particularly the inability of his second unit to match TNT’s energy and production.

     

    “I think it’s very clear, you know, the first quarter or the first half you know is the culprit. Because we didn’t play the way we played before. They have a very clear game plan to stop our bench, especially ‘yung mga perimeter shooters namin,” Austria said post the game.

    The numbers backed up Austria’s assessment. TNT’s bench poured in a decisive 48 points, nearly doubling the 27 produced by San Miguel’s reserves. Don Trollano, typically the catalyst of the Beermen’s second unit, was effectively neutralized for most of the night and did not score until the final quarter.

     

    “Credit to the game plan of TNT, they were able to contain our shooters. If you noticed, ang gumawa sa amin ay puro big me. But our wingmen, especially the bench namin hindi sila masyado nag-score,” Austria added.

     

    Despite the struggles from the perimeter, San Miguel still found production from its frontline. June Mar Fajardo, Mo Tautuaa, and Rodney Brondial carried much of the offensive load, repeatedly scoring inside and controlling stretches of the rebounding battle. However, the limited output from veteran guards Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter, coupled with the bench’s quiet night, proved costly against a TNT side that rarely let its focus waver.

     

    Even so, the Beermen showed exactly why they are the defending champions. After trailing by as many as 19 points in the first half, San Miguel clawed its way back with improved defensive pressure and sharper execution in the second half, eventually cutting the deficit to just one possession in the final moments.

     

    “The mere fact na we are able to get that kind of production in the second half, the chance is still there. It’s a matter of mindset. This is a championship game. Every possession is very important, especially in the first quarter.

     

    “I think next time siguro mai-address namin lahat and we should have a better plan. This is a best of seven and we have to adjust,” Austria concluded.

     

    With adjustments expected on both sides, Austria will be banking on a stronger showing from Trollano and the rest of San Miguel’s bench when the series resumes. Game 2 is set for Friday, January 23, once again at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Beermen will look to respond and level the Finals, while TNT aims to build on its early momentum and tighten its grip on the championship series.

     

     

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  • “Keep everybody steady”: Kelly Williams reflects on role in TNT finals win

    “Keep everybody steady”: Kelly Williams reflects on role in TNT finals win

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang Giga looked poised to cruise to a comfortable win in the Philippine Cup Finals opener. By the end of the night, however, it wasn’t just early firepower that determined the outcome — it was composure under pressure that ultimately carried the day.

     

    The Tropang Giga had to withstand a late surge from the San Miguel Beermen and navigate a tense final stretch before emerging victorious, 96–91, in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. The win gave TNT a critical 1–0 edge in the best-of-seven series and set the tone for a potentially long and hard-fought championship matchup.

     

    Offensively, TNT showcased a balanced attack with six players scoring in double figures, but it was Kelly Williams who quietly set the tone throughout the contest. The veteran forward, a former PBA MVP, finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, yet his impact extended far beyond the box score. Late in the fourth quarter, Williams delivered back-to-back drop passes to Aaron Ganuelas-Rosser, resulting in two crucial inside baskets that pushed TNT’s lead to 90–83, temporarily halting San Miguel’s momentum and giving the Tropang Giga some breathing room.

     

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    Williams, the most experienced player on TNT’s roster, acknowledged the weight of responsibility he carries, especially in the absence of team captain Jayson Castro, who is sidelined due to injury. His role, he explained, is to maintain composure and calm among his teammates in high-stakes situations — a task he embraces wholeheartedly.

    “Yeah, that’s why coach Chot Reyes has me out there,” Williams said after the game. “My role is to keep everybody steady. I think I have probably the most experience in these finals situations, so I just try to guide the younger guys and make sure we execute under pressure.”

     

    The 43-year-old also drew inspiration from PBA legend Ranidel de Ocampo, whose jersey was recently retired by TNT. Williams said the ceremony reminded him of the value of staying calm amid chaos — a mindset he strives to emulate throughout the series.

     

    “I was reminded during Ranidel’s jersey retirement how important it is to remain calm in the storms,” Williams said. “I want to make sure I carry that energy not just for this game, but for the whole series. I trust our shooters to shoot, our guys to do what we need to do. Like coach said, our premium is playing defense and playing with a lot of energy, and that’s what I aim to help the team maintain.”

     

    Coach Chot Reyes lauded Williams’ leadership after the game, noting that his veteran presence was critical in helping TNT weather San Miguel’s late run and avoid potential mistakes in crunch time. “Kelly knows how to keep this team composed,” Reyes said. “His experience, decision-making, and calm energy were huge factors in this win.”

     

    With Game 2 scheduled for Friday, January 23, also at the Ynares Center, Williams and the Tropang Giga will aim to capitalize on their momentum and extend their lead in the series. If TNT can maintain their composure and continue executing in key moments, they will put themselves in a strong position to reclaim the Philippine Cup title.

     

    Beyond the stats, Game 1 showcased a team that blends youth and experience, firepower and strategy, and composure with intensity — qualities that TNT will need to sustain if they hope to emerge victorious in the finals. Williams, as the veteran anchor, will be central to guiding the team through the pressures and challenges that lie ahead.

     

     

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  • TNT holds off San Miguel to take Game 1 of PBA Finals

    TNT holds off San Miguel to take Game 1 of PBA Finals

    For three quarters, TNT Tropang 5G looked like it was on its way to a comfortable Finals opener. By the end of the night, it was the team’s composure — not its early firepower — that mattered most.

     

    TNT had to withstand a late surge and a nervy finish before escaping San Miguel Beer, 96–91, to seize Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center.

     

    The Tropang 5G burst out with purpose, overwhelming the Beermen with pace, ball movement, and a relentless inside-out attack that built a lead as large as 19. Their offense flowed, the shots fell, and San Miguel looked momentarily rattled by TNT’s depth and physicality.

     

    That cushion, however, proved fragile.

     

    As expected from a veteran-laden San Miguel side, the Beermen regrouped after halftime. The game slowed, the paint became a battleground, and the Finals tension finally arrived. Twice in the final seven minutes, San Miguel crept to within a single point, threatening to flip the script in a game that once seemed out of reach.

     

    In those moments, TNT leaned on collective resolve rather than a single closer.Calvin Oftana and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser delivered timely baskets to steady the ship, while Jordan Heading provided the calm finishing touches at the foul line. 

     

    Heading’s perfect free throws in the final 15.2 seconds ultimately shut the door, aided by missed chances from June Mar Fajardo and Don Trollano on the other end.

     

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    It was a win built on balance. Six TNT players scored in double figures, with Kelly Williams quietly setting the tone. The former MVP finished with 15 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, but his impact went beyond the box score. 

     

    His back-to-back drop passes to Ganuelas-Rosser late in the fourth quarter led to crucial inside baskets that stretched the lead to 90–83 and momentarily blunted San Miguel’s momentum.

     

    San Miguel still refused to fold. Defensive stops by Mo Tautua’a and Jericho Cruz forced turnovers and fueled one last push, trimming the gap to 92–91 with 21.4 seconds remaining. But TNT executed when it mattered most, while the Beermen could not convert their final looks.

     

    Oftana stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Heading added 13 points and eight boards despite battling illness. Henry Galinato Jr. chipped in 12, Rey Nambatac posted 11 points, five rebounds, and six assists, and Simon Enciso maximized a rare start with 10 points.

     

    For San Miguel, Fajardo once again loomed large, pouring in 24 points and grabbing 17 rebounds against a deep TNT frontline. Tautua’a backed him up with 22 points, while CJ Perez filled the lanes with 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Still, the Beermen’s late comeback fell just short.

     

    Game 1 served as an early reminder of what this Finals series could become: TNT’s depth and pace versus San Miguel’s resilience and championship DNA. With TNT drawing first blood in the race-to-four, both teams now turn their attention to Game 2 on Friday — still at Ynares Center — where adjustments, not emotions, may decide the next swing in momentum.

     

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  • PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 1 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    PBA Finals: TNT Tropang 5G vs. San Miguel Beermen — Game 1 Preview, Predictions & Betting Odds

    After another dramatic playoff run through the semis, the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off with TNT Tropang 5G going head-to-head with the San Miguel Beermen in what promises to be a compelling rematch of one of the league’s modern all-Filipino classics.

     

    Preview

     

    These are two of the league’s most consistent big-stage teams. TNT enters this series riding a blend of offensive firepower and resilient comeback performances — highlighted by their Game 5 win that kept their Grand Slam hopes alive last season — and their ability to stretch the floor with elite perimeter shooting that ranked among the league’s best during the Philippine Cup slate.

     

    TNT’s spacing and conversion from beyond the arc (leading the conference in makes and efficiency) remains a core strength they’ll lean on to counter San Miguel’s interior focus.

     

    San Miguel’s blueprint is more traditional but effective. The Beermen consistently lead the league in scoring close to the basket and use their size, physicality, and elite post presence to dictate pace. June Mar Fajardo — coming off a shoulder issue but steadily trending toward full effectiveness — anchors San Miguel’s paint dominance, while the team’s defense ranks among the better units at limiting three-point efficiency. 

     

    San Miguel also has CJ Perez who is known to get into solo scoring runs, previously scoring 41 points in the Game 6 win against Ginebra, expect the TNT defense to try and limit his scoring. 

     

    Both teams come in battle-tested: San Miguel closed out a tough semifinal against Barangay Ginebra, leaning on veteran execution and depth in clutch moments, while TNT overcame adversity to reach the finals despite injuries and rotation challenges down the stretch.

     

    TNT’s backcourt depth is a storyline to watch. With RR Pogoy who is the third best scorer of the team sidelined early during the semifinals due to hamstring woes, TNT’s guard rotation is thinner, placing additional scoring burdens on players such as Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana and Jordan Heading. San Miguel, meanwhile, has managed its own health concerns but retains a more established rotation built around Fajardo and high-usage wings.

     

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    Matchup 

    • TNT’s perimeter attack vs. San Miguel’s three-point defense: TNT’s league-leading three-point volume and accuracy will test San Miguel’s ability to close out on shooters — a tactical chess match that could define Game 1.

       

    • Fajardo’s impact inside: Controlling the interior is key, and Fajardo’s presence draws double teams that create open looks for shooters like Marcio Lassiter and Jericho Cruz.

       

    • Health and depth: With key TNT guards injured, bench contributions and rotations will matter more than ever in this early Finals game.

       

    Sportsbook Odds 

    Moneyline

    • San Miguel Beermen: ~1.64

       

    • TNT Tropang 5G: ~2.20

       

    Point Spread

    • San Miguel Beermen –3 (~1.87)

       

    • TNT Tropang 5G +3 (~1.97)

       

    Total (Over/Under)

    • Over 196 (~1.90)

       

    • Under 196 (~1.92)

       

    Prediction

     

    San Miguel Beermen

    San Miguel’s balanced attack, playoff discipline, and interior strength give them a slight edge to take control early in this series. Expect them to impose their pace inside and make TNT work for quality looks — especially if Memphis Fajardo plays with more comfort than in the semifinals.

     

    Best Bet

     

    San Miguel Beermen –3

    San Miguel’s mix of experience and inside dominance is more likely to produce a clean win in Game 1, especially with TNT managing key absences.

     

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  • San Miguel’s CJ Perez named PBA Player of the Week for January 14 to 16

    San Miguel’s CJ Perez named PBA Player of the Week for January 14 to 16

    In a sport where momentum can shift in the blink of an eye, CJ Perez didn’t just seize it—he owned it.

     

    The San Miguel Beer guard made his intentions clear from the opening tip-off. From the moment his first shots swished through the net, Perez appeared to realize that something extraordinary was unfolding. By the end of the first quarter, the PBA had witnessed a scoring display that not only carried his team but also etched his name into the record books.

     

    On Friday, January 16, Perez turned the opening quarter of Game 6 against Barangay Ginebra at the Araneta Coliseum into a historic highlight reel. The Beermen cruised to a 101-88 victory, securing their spot in the PBA Philippine Cup finals for a much-anticipated rematch against TNT Tropang Giga.

     

    A three-time PBA scoring champion, Perez started his scoring rampage with a jaw-dropping 30 points in the first quarter alone, shooting a perfect 12-of-12 from the field. He finished the night with a career-high 41 points, solidifying his status as the driving force behind San Miguel’s triumph.

     

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    But it wasn’t merely the sheer volume of his scoring that captured attention—it was the way he turned a single quarter into a milestone-laden masterpiece.

    Perez’s blazing start shattered multiple PBA records, including:

    • Most points scored in an opening quarter (local or import) 
    • Most points scored in a playoff quarter 
    • Most field goals made in a quarter without a miss 

    The 30-point quarter also tied him with Bong Alvarez for the second-most points scored in a single quarter by a local player, trailing only Allan Caidic’s legendary 39-point outburst in 1991. The comparison is no accident; Perez’s performance evoked memories of his Terrafirma days, when he scored a career-high 39 points in a single game back in 2019.

     

    For his exceptional showing, Perez was named PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for January 14 to 16, averaging 30.5 points per game on 64 percent shooting from the field. He beat out fellow San Miguel teammate Don Trollano and TNT Tropang Giga’s Jordan Heading to earn unanimous recognition from the scribes covering Asia’s oldest professional basketball league.

     

    “Nung na-shoot ko yung una, pangalawa, pangatlo, pag-apat, parang tinira ko na lang, pumapasok. Doon pumapasok yung kumpiyansa. And nakikita ko naman sila coach sa bench, talagang tiwalang tiwala. Pag tira ko pa lang, nakikita ko ‘yung mukha nila, hindi sila nakasimangot,” Perez said of his phenomenal night.

     

    He also credited his team’s defensive effort for keeping the Ginebra offense in check. “Sobrang grateful lang na pumasok nang maaga yung mga tira namin, at maganda yung depensa namin,” he added.

     

    The veteran guard now shifts his focus to the PBA Philippine Cup finals, where San Miguel will face TNT Tropang Giga. Perez is eyeing his fourth PBA championship and hopes to carry the same intensity and precision from his historic quarter into the finals series. Game 1 is set for Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where all eyes will be on Perez to see if he can replicate his record-setting form on the league’s biggest stage.

     

    As the finals approach, one thing is clear: when CJ Perez gets hot, he doesn’t just score points—he writes history.

     

     

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  • PBA implements officiating measures ahead of 2025 Philippine Cup finals 

    PBA implements officiating measures ahead of 2025 Philippine Cup finals 

    The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that officiating in the Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga is fair, transparent, and free from controversy.

     

    PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that league officials have taken proactive steps to address concerns surrounding refereeing. On the eve of Game 1, representatives and head coaches from both finalist teams were invited to meet with league authorities to discuss officiating protocols and ensure clarity in communication between referees and coaching staff.

     

    “Nag-board meeting kami nung Thursday, pinag-usapan namin na dalawang head coach or coaching staff pupunta sa PBA tomorrow para kausapin mga referees na ia-assign namin sa Finals para makita appreciation sa tawagan; pano tawagan, magkaroon ng kaunting liwanag mga coaches pati mga referees,” Marcial said during a press conference ahead of the Finals, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and preparation.

     

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    The PBA’s increased focus on officiating comes in the wake of a controversial call—or rather, a missed call—during Game 5 of the semifinals between TNT Tropang Giga and Meralco Bolts. In the closing seconds, referee Jeff Tantay failed to call what appeared to be a crucial foul on Calvin Oftana as CJ Cansino went for a layup, a decision that sparked debate among players, coaches, and fans alike. Following the incident, the PBA suspended Tantay indefinitely, underscoring the league’s commitment to accountability and high officiating standards.

    Commissioner Marcial stressed that the Finals—given their high stakes and nationwide audience—require referees to perform at their best. “Tulad ng sinabi ng mga players, depende sa gising. Pero sa referees kailangan talaga laging handa. Masusupinde sila o baka matanggal sila,” he added, signaling the league’s zero-tolerance policy for mistakes that could affect the outcome of championship games.

     

    In addition to pre-game briefings with coaches, the PBA is also implementing measures to monitor officiating performance closely throughout the Finals series. These steps include reviewing referee assignments, clarifying rules interpretations, and ensuring that any potential conflicts or misunderstandings are addressed before tip-off.

     

    Game 1 of the Philippine Cup Finals is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Beermen and Tropang Giga will battle for the first of a best-of-seven series. With the league emphasizing transparency, preparation, and accountability, both teams—and fans—can expect a clean, competitive, and professionally officiated series.

     

    As the Finals approach, the PBA’s proactive measures reflect its commitment to protecting the integrity of the game while ensuring that players, coaches, and referees operate under clear, fair, and consistent standards. For basketball fans across the Philippines, the series promises to deliver thrilling action, high-level competition, and officiating that matches the intensity of the game.

     

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  • June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    June Mar Fajardo cements icon status with seventh SMC-PSA Mr. Basketball award

    In an era where greatness is often measured by fleeting peaks, June Mar Fajardo has made longevity his loudest statement.

     

    The most dominant force in Philippine basketball today will once again take center stage at the San Miguel Corporation–Philippine Sportswriters Association (SMC-PSA) Awards Night on February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, joining the country’s top volleyball stars as one of the evening’s major honorees.

     

    For Fajardo, the recognition is familiar—but no less significant. The 35-year-old San Miguel cornerstone will be honored for the seventh time, a testament to a career that continues to redefine sustained excellence in local basketball.

     

    Season 49 of the PBA served as yet another reminder of why the 6-foot-11 center remains the league’s gold standard.

     

    Fajardo etched his name deeper into the record books by securing an unprecedented ninth Most Valuable Player award, leading the Beermen to their 11th Philippine Cup championship at the expense of TNT—once again denying the Tropang Giga a coveted Grand Slam.

     

    Even as new stars emerge, Fajardo’s impact has not waned. During the most recent Philippine Cup eliminations, he posted averages of 16.5 points, 16.6 rebounds—best in the league—and 4.4 assists per game, while becoming the first local player to record three straight 20-point, 20-rebound outings.

     

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    His influence extends beyond the PBA hardwood. A Gilas Pilipinas mainstay since 2014, Fajardo remains the team’s anchor in international play. 

     

    He suited up for the national squad in the FIBA Asia Cup in Saudi Arabia and the opening window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where his steady presence helped power the Philippines to a 2–0 start.

     

    In that qualifying window, Fajardo averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds as the team’s starting center—numbers that may not scream dominance but underscore his enduring value as a stabilizing force against Asia’s best.

     

    As the PSA once again honors him, Fajardo’s career continues to stand as proof that true greatness isn’t just about peak moments—but about showing up, year after year, and still being the standard everyone else is measured against.

     

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