The San Miguel Beermen are out to assert their mastery over Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen relaunch their bid to defend the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup crown as they face the Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinals on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Tip off is set at 7:30 p.m., at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[WATCH: PBA LIVESTREAM: Ginebra vs San Miguel | Philippine Cup semis Game 1]
The Beermen return to familiar territory, marking their fifth straight All-Filipino semifinals appearance and 11th in the last 12 seasons, a testament to San Miguel’s sustained dominance.
Standing in their way once more is Ginebra, which they eliminated in a grueling seven-game semifinal series just last season.
San Miguel booked its return to the penultimate round behind another masterclass from Fajardo, who punished NLEX in the quarterfinals with 26 points, 23 rebounds, and six assists in a 101–94 closeout win.
True to form, the nine-time MVP imposed his will when it mattered most, controlling the second half as the Beermen pulled away.
Head coach Leo Austria underscored his team’s championship DNA, pointing to their composure under pressure—especially Fajardo’s knack for delivering in winning time.
With momentum and experience on their side, San Miguel looks to draw first blood as their title defense rolls on.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.