San Miguel Beer once again asserted its dominance in the all-Filipino conference, turning back TNT Tropang 5G to successfully defend the PBA Philippine Cup title. Playing before a loud crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Beermen sealed the championship with a 92-77 victory in Game 6, closing the best-of-seven Finals series, 4-2.
The win underscored San Miguel’s continued mastery of the Philippine Cup, as the team relied on experience, depth, and timely execution to pull away late. While TNT mounted several comeback attempts, the Beermen consistently found answers, especially when the game tightened in the second half.
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Fajardo Anchors Title-Clinching Performance
June Mar Fajardo delivered his strongest showing of the Finals at the most crucial moment, powering San Miguel with 29 points and 23 rebounds in Game 6. The performance capped a dominant series for the reigning season MVP and Best Player of the Conference, who averaged 19.6 points and 18.3 rebounds and was named the first-ever Ramon Fernandez PBA Finals MVP.
San Miguel’s supporting cast also played key roles. CJ Perez finished with 19 points, including 11 in the second quarter, while Rodney Brondial chipped in 15 points and 13 rebounds. The Beermen had to regroup after surrendering an early 21-point advantage, but their composure showed as the game progressed.
TNT refused to fold early, overcoming a 26-5 opening deficit and even grabbing a 68-66 lead late in the third quarter on a corner three by Jordan Heading. Calvin Oftana kept the Tropang 5G competitive with 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, including 21 points in the first half.
In a contest marked by momentum swings, San Miguel delivered the decisive push down the stretch. A 26-7 run late in the game, capped by a three-point play from Perez with 1:17 remaining, ultimately sealed TNT’s fate and secured the crown.
The championship marked San Miguel’s third all-Filipino title in four years, all at the expense of TNT, and its record-extending 12th Philippine Cup championship. Overall, the Beermen now boast 31 PBA titles, including eight since drafting Fajardo first overall in the 2012 draft.
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