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I still remember the electric atmosphere at the arena when San Miguel faced off against Meralco in that crucial match - the energy was absolutely palpable. Having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say this was one of those games that truly lived up to the hype. The final score of 98-94 in favor of San Miguel doesn't even begin to tell the whole story of this thrilling encounter. What made it particularly special was knowing this was just the beginning of an extended battle, with the three-leg competition scheduled to resume on August 22 to 24 in Cebu.
From my perspective as someone who's analyzed countless PBA games, San Miguel's performance in the fourth quarter was nothing short of masterful. They were trailing by 7 points with just under six minutes remaining, and honestly, I thought they might crumble under the pressure. But then June Mar Fajquier, who finished with 28 points and 15 rebounds, took complete control of the paint. His footwork against Meralco's defense was absolutely brilliant - I've rarely seen a big man dominate so completely in clutch situations. What impressed me most was how the team maintained their composure, executing their plays with surgical precision when it mattered most. The numbers tell part of the story - San Miguel shot 48% from the field compared to Meralco's 43%, but the real difference came in those final minutes where they seemed to make every single possession count.
On the Meralco side, I have to give credit where it's due - Chris Newsome was absolutely sensational, putting up 32 points and nearly carrying his team to victory single-handedly. His performance reminded me why he's one of the most underrated players in the league. However, from my observation, their bench production was where they really fell short, managing only 18 points compared to San Miguel's 35. That bench disparity ultimately proved decisive, especially when you consider how the game stretched into those critical final moments. I've always believed that championship teams need that reliable second unit, and this game perfectly illustrated that principle.
The turning point came with about three minutes left when San Miguel went on that 9-0 run that completely shifted the momentum. From my seat watching the game, you could literally feel the energy change in the building. What many casual viewers might not appreciate is how much strategic adjustment happened during that stretch - San Miguel's coach made some brilliant defensive switches that completely disrupted Meralco's offensive rhythm. Personally, I think that coaching decision was the real game-changer, more than any individual player's performance.
Looking ahead to the Cebu leg scheduled for August 22-24, I'm genuinely excited about what's to come. Based on what I saw in this game, both teams have clear areas to address. San Miguel needs to work on their perimeter defense - they allowed Meralco to hit 14 three-pointers, which is simply too many if they want to win the championship. Meanwhile, Meralco must find ways to get more production from their role players. Having attended games in Cebu before, I can tell you the atmosphere there will be absolutely electric, and that home-court advantage could play a significant role in the upcoming matches.
What makes this series particularly compelling from my viewpoint is how perfectly matched these teams are despite their different strengths. San Miguel has that championship pedigree and experience in big moments, while Meralco plays with that hungry, nothing-to-lose energy that makes them dangerous. I'm personally leaning toward San Miguel taking the series, but only if they can maintain the level of intensity they showed in those final minutes. The numbers suggest they should be favored - they've now won 7 of their last 8 games against Meralco - but as any true basketball fan knows, statistics only tell part of the story.
This game reminded me why I fell in love with Philippine basketball in the first place - the passion, the drama, the incredible skill level. Both teams left everything on the court, and as we look toward the Cebu games later this month, I'm convinced we're witnessing what could become an instant classic series. The way these teams match up, the strategic battles between the coaches, the individual brilliance of players on both sides - it all adds up to must-watch basketball. Mark your calendars for August 22-24 because if this first game was any indication, we're in for an absolute treat in Cebu.
