San Miguel doesn’t want to be dragged to a Game 7 against never-say-die Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
San Miguel stands on the brink of another PBA Philippine Cup championship round appearance as it aims to finish off Brgy. Ginebra in Game 6 of the semifinals on Friday, Jan. 16.
Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
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The Beermen hold a 3-2 series lead and can punch their ticket to the Finals with one more victory, where TNT already awaits.
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San Miguel earned this opportunity after a hard-fought 115-109 win in Game 5, showing composure despite nearly squandering a 17-point fourth-quarter cushion.
Though still bothered by a shoulder injury, June Mar Fajardo rediscovered his rhythm at the right time, posting 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and a block.
His late-game free throws, along with those of Marcio Lassiter, sealed the win when Ginebra threatened to steal the match.
Lassiter (16 points on four triples) was among the five Beermen who wound up in double figures.
[RELATED STORY: Ginebra bent on forcing Game 7 vs San Miguel in PBA PH Cup semifinals]
But it was the veteran leadership of Chris Ross (nine points, three rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks) that ushered the team to victory.
San Miguel’s balanced attack proved decisive in Game 5.
That depth and poise under pressure will again be crucial as the Beermen look to avoid a Game 7.
Expect San Miguel to lean on its championship experience, ball movement, and interior presence against the Gin Kings.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]