San Miguel blew a late seven-point lead as LA Tenorio and Ginebra stole Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. Now the Beermen are more determined to come out strong and avoid another meltdown in the winner-take-all Game 7.
June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen are leaving nothing to chance.
After falling short in a heartbreaking 88-87 Game 6 loss to Barangay Ginebra, the Beermen now shift their focus to the all-important Game 7 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 9.
[RELATED STORY: LA Tenorio after saving Ginebra in Game 6 of PBA semis: ‘I felt like a rookie again’]
“Paghahandaan namin yung Game 7,” vowed Fajardo, who turned in a dominant performance with 21 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and a block—proof that the eight-time MVP is nearing full strength after dealing with a right calf injury earlier in the series.
San Miguel looked poised to clinch a Finals berth against TNT after building a 78-71 cushion in the fourth quarter. But the Beermen collapsed late, unable to stop Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, who erupted for all 11 of his points in the final period, capped by a go-ahead three-pointer in the dying seconds.
Despite the stinging defeat, the Beermen remain armed with firepower. CJay Perez finished with 15 points, six boards, four assists, a steal, and a block in another all-around effort, while Don Trollano and Rodney Brondial added 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Now with the series tied at 3-3, San Miguel knows what’s at stake. One game stands between them and a return trip to the Philippine Cup Finals—a shot at redemption and another crack at glory.
[ALSO READ: Thompson lauds Ginebra vet Tenorio for heroic Game 6 showing: 'Classic, legend, idol’]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]