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Tag: San Miguel Beermen

  • June Mar Fajardo downplays talk of winning 13th PBA Best Player of the Conference award

    June Mar Fajardo downplays talk of winning 13th PBA Best Player of the Conference award

    San Miguel Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) history. The 36-year-old center’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable, having already claimed a record nine PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, an achievement that has earned him recognition as one of the most dominant forces in the league’s modern era.

     

    Fajardo’s brilliance has been on full display once again this Philippine Cup campaign. Leading the Beermen to yet another finals appearance, he is the clear frontrunner for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, which, if secured, would mark the 13th time he has claimed the honor. Despite the accolades and the attention surrounding individual awards, Fajardo has remained characteristically humble, choosing to prioritize team success over personal milestones.

     

    “Hindi ko iniisip yan. Like I have been saying, I always think of it as, I haven’t won anything. I haven’t won a championship, I haven’t won any awards, those thoughts really drive me,” Fajardo said during a pre-match press conference, underlining his focus on the ultimate goal: leading San Miguel to another Philippine Cup title.

     

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    Statistically, Fajardo has once again proven why he is the centerpiece of the Beermen. At the conclusion of the Philippine Cup quarterfinal stage, he led the league with averages of 17.4 points, 15.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, while also topping the BPC race with 45.4 Statistical Points (SPs). These numbers highlight not just his scoring ability, but his all-around impact on both ends of the floor, from dominating the boards to facilitating offense and protecting the rim.

    “I think of it as, in this conference, I hope I win my first championship or award. It really drives me,” Fajardo added, emphasizing that his motivation comes from contributing to team success rather than personal accolades.

     

    San Miguel now sets its sights on defending its Philippine Cup crown as they prepare to face the TNT Tropang Giga in the finals. Game 1 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, and Fajardo will be aiming to capture his 12th PBA championship in the process.

     

    As the Beermen gear up for the championship series, much of the focus will once again be on Fajardo, whose presence in the paint has been a key factor in San Miguel’s sustained dominance. TNT, however, presents a formidable challenge, boasting a deep roster and resilient playoff pedigree, ensuring that Fajardo and the Beermen will need to bring their A-game if they hope to continue their dynasty.

     

    For fans, the finals promise to showcase the full spectrum of Fajardo’s talents—from his scoring efficiency to his defensive prowess—while also testing his leadership in guiding a championship-caliber team. As the league waits to see if he can add another title to his storied career, one thing remains clear: June Mar Fajardo’s focus has always been on winning for San Miguel first, and the awards will follow.

     

     

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  • Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

    Chot Reyes urges full belief as injury-hit TNT prepares for PBA finals

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

     

    With the win, TNT advanced to the finals for the fourth consecutive conference, further cementing its reputation as one of the league’s enduring powerhouses.

     

    Jordan Heading spearheaded the Tropang Giga’s charge with a game-high 31 points, delivering a dominant all-around performance and once again showcasing his value as one of TNT’s most dependable offensive weapons. Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser added 12 points, while Calvin Oftana chipped in 10, providing timely scoring and defensive stability in a tightly contested affair. TNT’s poise and execution in the closing minutes ultimately proved decisive against a Meralco side that refused to back down.

     

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    However, the victory came with a significant concern heading into the finals. Roger Pogoy, TNT’s top perimeter scorer and a key defensive presence, remains sidelined due to a lingering left hamstring injury. Pogoy was unable to finish Game 5 and has been ruled out for at least the opening games of the championship series.

     

    Despite the setback, head coach Chot Reyes stressed that belief and mindset will be crucial as TNT prepares for another finals appearance.

    “I feel that if we are coming into this series with less than 100 percent belief, then we have no chance. It starts from there. We have to have the belief that regardless of who’s healthy or not, we are going to come out and play our best game,” Reyes said during the pre-match press conference.

     

    “It doesn’t bother us too much. It doesn’t affect our belief whether we have Jayson Castro and Roger. They are a big, big part of our team. But in terms of our belief, it doesn’t bother us too much,” he added.

     

    TNT is no stranger to adversity on the sport’s biggest stage. Last season, the Tropang Giga faced eventual champions San Miguel in the Philippine Cup Finals without Poy Erram and still managed to put up a strong fight. Reyes acknowledged that the Beermen, should they advance, would enter the series as favorites given their experience and depth.

     

    “The problem is, even if we bring out our best game, it’s not a guarantee that we will beat a team as strong as San Miguel. In the end, that’s all we can do. All we can do is do our best. If that happens to be enough, then so be it,” Reyes concluded.

     

    With Pogoy sidelined, TNT is expected to lean more heavily on Heading, Ganuelas-Rosser, Oftana, and its supporting cast to shoulder the scoring load while maintaining defensive intensity. Reyes emphasized the need for tactical adjustments and rotation changes to offset the absence of their star guard.

     

    The Philippine Cup Finals are set to tip off on Wednesday, January 21, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, where TNT will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. As the Tropang Giga chase another title, their depth, resilience, and collective belief will be put to the ultimate test.

     

    TNT fans will be watching closely, hopeful for Pogoy’s return later in the series, but confident that even without him, the Tropang Giga possess the talent, experience, and leadership to compete at the highest level.

     

     

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  • CJ Perez shatters multiple PBA records in unforgettable Game 6 explosion

    CJ Perez shatters multiple PBA records in unforgettable Game 6 explosion

    In a sport where momentum is a living, breathing thing, CJ Perez didn’t just seize it—he owned it.

    The San Miguel Beer guard didn’t wait for the game to warm up. 

     

    From the moment his first shots swished through the net, Perez seemed to realize he was about to produce something special. What followed was a performance that didn’t just win a semifinal series—it rewrote the record books.

     

    On Friday, January 16, Perez turned the opening quarter into a highlight reel, delivering a historic explosion that propelled the Beermen into the PBA Philippine Cup finals with a 101-88 Game 6 victory over Barangay Ginebra at the Araneta Coliseum.

     

    A three-time scoring champion, Perez went on a scoring rampage that began with 30 points in the first quarter alone. He shot a flawless 12-of-12 in that period and finished with a career-high 41 points, becoming the main reason San Miguel is headed for a rematch with TNT in the All-Filipino finals.

     

    But it wasn’t just the volume of his scoring that stood out—it was how quickly he turned the quarter into a milestone-making moment.

     

    Perez’s blazing start produced 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 

    Those feats were confirmed by league chief statistician Fidel Mangonon.

     

    Perez’s 30-point quarter also tied him with Bong Alvarez for second-most points scored in a quarter by a local, trailing only Allan Caidic’s legendary 39-point quarter from 1991.

     

    The comparison isn’t accidental—Perez’s scoring outburst felt like a flashback to his Terrafirma days, when he produced a career-high 39 points in a single game back in 2019.

     

    “It was the same feeling. It felt like I was not going to miss. I’m so happy to have this kind of game for San Miguel,” Perez said. 

     

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    His opening sequence was an unstoppable blend of aggression and precision. Perez began with three straight layups, then stepped back and nailed three consecutive triples, including a daring four-point attempt that sailed over RJ Abarrientos’ outstretched hand and sank cleanly.

     

    The quarter ended with Perez finishing the period with a double-pump layup over Norbert Torres—capping a stretch in which he outscored the entire Ginebra lineup. San Miguel surged to a 39-15 lead, a cushion that proved too large for the Gin Kings to erase.

     

    Perez might have scored even more had foul trouble not interrupted his rhythm. He picked up his fourth foul in the third quarter and spent much of the period on the bench, but coach Leo Austria still made it clear just how much he trusted his star.

     

    “If he did not get into foul trouble, I would have played him the entire game. That is how I trust my players,” Austria said. “If they’re playing well, they will stay inside.”

     

    Even with June Mar Fajardo limited to just four points due to shoulder issues, Perez made sure the Beermen’s engine kept running. Don Trollano provided a strong supporting role with 23 points, but Perez’s night was the defining story.

     

    For Ginebra, Scottie Thompson fought hard with 24 points and nine rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to stop Perez’s unforgettable opening quarter.

     

    Now, as San Miguel prepares for a second straight finals rematch with TNT beginning Wednesday, January 21, Perez is hoping the momentum from this historic night can carry over.

     

    “We were able to breathe a little, but it will be another stressful series for sure,” Perez said.

    And if the first quarter of Game 6 is any indication, the rest of the series could be a stage for Perez to produce even more unforgettable moments.

     

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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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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  • SMB keeps Bennie Boatwright in sight as Commissioner’s Cup plans hinge on KBL fate

    SMB keeps Bennie Boatwright in sight as Commissioner’s Cup plans hinge on KBL fate

    Even with Bennie Boatwright already plying his trade in South Korea, San Miguel Beer has not crossed the door on a possible reunion for the upcoming PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

     

    The Beermen remain firmly interested in the Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player candidate, viewing him as their top import option for the midseason tournament that tips off on March 11—provided circumstances allow. Team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed that Boatwright’s name continues to sit at the top of San Miguel’s wish list, though his availability remains the biggest question mark.

     

    “Yes, nasa listahan namin siya,” Abanilla said. “Pero depende sa sitwasyon niya. Kung mag-a-advance yung team niya. So it really depends.”

     

    Boatwright recently signed with Daegu KOGAS Pegasus in the Korean Basketball League, a move that caught San Miguel slightly off guard. The Pegasus are currently tied at the bottom of the standings with a 9-20 record alongside the Seoul Samsung Thunders, and while their playoff hopes are slim, the KBL season runs until April—overlapping with the PBA’s import conference.

     

    Abanilla revealed that communication between the two sides never stopped, especially after Boatwright parted ways with the Taipei Fubon Braves in the P. League+.

     

    “The last time I communicated with him, tinanong niya lang sa akin kung ano yung schedule ng Commissioner’s Cup,” Abanilla said.

     

    “Right after lumabas (news about the Fubon Braves), nag-text na ako agad sa kanya, and then he asked for it (Commissioner’s Cup schedule).”

     

    That line of communication, however, was quickly overtaken by events. Just days later, Boatwright committed to a KBL stint.

     

    “Nagulat na lang kami na pumirma na siya sa Korea,” Abanilla said while speaking from the sidelines of the Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra.

     

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    From San Miguel’s perspective, the move appears less about opportunity and more about rhythm. Abanilla believes Boatwright may have chosen Korea to stay game-ready following recovery from an Achilles injury.

     

    “I was thinking na baka ayaw niya lang mabakante, gusto niya tuloy-tuloy lang,” he said. “Well, he’s already healed, pero yung time niya, siguro gusto niyang makuha pa, and he could only get that from playing.”

     

    Still, Abanilla admitted that an earlier return to San Miguel would have been ideal. The Commissioner’s Cup window would have allowed Boatwright to reacclimate to the Beermen’s system—one he already mastered en route to the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup title.

     

    “This is the best chance to bring him early, get acclimatized, and be re-acquainted with the San Miguel system again. Kaso naging ganun ang desisyon niya,” Abanilla said.

     

    Now, the situation hinges on how far Daegu KOGAS goes. A late-season surge or playoff qualification could complicate any potential release, forcing San Miguel to balance patience with practicality.

     

    “Ang dilemma ngayon, kung mag-advance (yung team),” Abanilla said. “Siyempre kailangan rin ng mga coaches to decide on something. Hindi naman pwedeng, ‘O baka libre na siya ngayon, kunin na natin.’”

     

    “Kung libre siya, edi OK.”

     

    Until then, San Miguel waits—keeping Boatwright firmly on the radar as they prepare for the Commissioner’s Cup, aware that timing may ultimately decide whether a familiar import returns or the Beermen are forced to look elsewhere. 

     

     

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