A Historic Night at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum
In a game steeped in nostalgia and celebration, the San Miguel Beermen showcased their championship pedigree with a commanding 110-98 victory over the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday night. The PBA’s golden anniversary was in full swing as the league returned to its roots at the iconic Rizal Memorial Coliseum—once a bustling hub for Philippine basketball in the 1970s and 1980s.
Both teams embraced the throwback theme, wearing retro jerseys reminiscent of their historic beginnings—San Miguel in their 1980s-style white and red kits, and Meralco donning orange MICAA-era uniforms. The atmosphere was further elevated by the presence of pioneer player Jimmy Noblezada and former PBA All-Star MVP Boy Cabahug, who joined a center-court photo shoot before tip-off.
Beermen Bounce Back with Authority
San Miguel entered the game hungry, looking to avenge their loss to the Bolts in the previous All-Filipino Conference Finals. Led by powerhouse duo CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen quickly took control.
Perez led all scorers with 29 points, highlighted by a rare four-point play and three clutch three-pointers. Fajardo, known as “The Kraken,” followed closely with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, proving once again why he remains one of the most dominant forces in the league.
The Beermen surged to a 52-38 lead by halftime, thanks to their relentless offense and defensive discipline. Jeron Teng chipped in with 11 points, while Rodney Brondial, Marcio Lassiter, and Juami Tiongson delivered strong performances off the bench. The victory marked San Miguel’s second consecutive win, following their triumph over the NLEX Road Warriors just days earlier.
Meralco’s Third-Quarter Push Falls Short
Despite the early deficit, Meralco refused to go down without a fight. Chris Newsome ignited a spirited comeback in the third quarter, scoring a team-high 27 points and leading a Bolts rally that cut the Beermen’s lead to just three, 77-74, heading into the final quarter.
But San Miguel responded with championship composure. Fajardo delivered a thunderous dunk that reignited the Beermen’s momentum, and back-to-back three-pointers from Perez and Tiongson stretched the lead to 92-81, effectively quelling the Bolts’ rally. From there, San Miguel never looked back, maintaining their double-digit advantage until the final buzzer.
A Celebration of Basketball Heritage
The game was more than just a matchup of two powerhouse teams—it was a celebration of five decades of Philippine basketball excellence. The PBA’s 50th anniversary festivities continue with a grand gala night at Solaire North on Friday, where the league’s 50 greatest players will be honored in a landmark gathering of legends.
San Miguel’s dominant performance served as a fitting tribute to the league’s rich history, echoing their storied legacy as one of the PBA’s most decorated franchises. With this victory, the Beermen not only extended their winning streak but also made a resounding statement: they remain a force to be reckoned with in the league’s golden era.
The Scores :
SAN MIGUEL – Perez 29, Fajardo 28, Teng 11, Brondial 9, Lassiter 8, Tiongson 7, Rosales 7, Tautuaa 6, Trollano 5, Cahilig 0.
MERALCO – Newsome 27, Reyson 14, Black 12, Jose 12, Hodge 10, Cansino 8, Bates 6, Almazan 5, Quinto 4, Torres 0, Rios 0, Caram 0, Pascual 0.
QUARTERS: 25-21, 52-38, 77-74, 110-98
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