The sting from failing to make the playoffs last conference and ceding the PBA Philippine Cup crown last season still lingers for San Miguel. Now the Beermen continue their road to redemption as they take on TNT in the Finals.
Banged up but hungry, June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen return to the PBA’s grandest stage, looking to reclaim lost glory as they face TNT Tropang 5G in Game 1 of the Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals on Sunday, July 13.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Back in the Finals after ceding the crown to Meralco last season, the Beermen are gunning for an 11th All-Filipino championship. But standing in their way is a familiar and formidable rival in TNT, a team chasing Grand Slam history.
For San Miguel, this is not about denial but redemption.
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Leo Austria’s squad is bruised, but battle-tested. Eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo remains the anchor in the middle despite lingering injuries.
After nursing a right calf issue throughout the semifinals, Fajardo limped off in Game 7 against Ginebra due to a hamstring strain, casting doubts on his readiness for the title clash.
Still, the gentle giant proved he remains a force, averaging 12.6 points, 15.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks across the semifinal series.
More than just Fajardo, TNT will have its hands full with San Miguel’s depth.
CJay Perez has been electric all conference long, while Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa, Juami Tiongson, and veteran snipers Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross give the Beermen a potent mix of youth, shooting, and championship poise.
With the Beermen fueled by payback and pride, and TNT eyeing immortality, the stage is set for a titanic clash in what could be a Finals series for the ages.
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(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.]