Beermen Eye Finals Berth as Ginebra Hangs on to Never-Say-Die Spirit
PBA Philippine Cup Semifinals Reaches Crucial Game 6
A Showdown of Championship Grit
In what promises to be a thrilling Sunday double-header at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the San Miguel Beermen look to close out their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against the ever-resilient Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m., with San Miguel holding a 3-2 series lead and aiming to avoid a do-or-die Game 7.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria acknowledges that finishing a series is never easy—especially when the opponent is Ginebra, a team known for its legendary “Never Say Die” (NSD) spirit.
“We still have a lot of work to do especially ang kalaban natin eh ‘Never Say Die,’” Austria said.
Game 5: Momentum Shift for the Beermen
The Beermen seized the series advantage in Game 5 with a commanding 103-92 victory, breaking the win-loss seesaw pattern that had defined the series. The trio of June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and Jericho Cruz led the charge, with Cruz scoring 27 points, including an impressive 3-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc.
“Kinapalan ko lang ang mukha ko,” Cruz said modestly, crediting his aggressive mentality for his breakout performance.
Game 5 was a crucial turning point, and Austria emphasized its significance:
“Malaki ang tsansa to get to the series kung sino ang makakuha nito.”
Beermen’s Bigger Goals
For San Miguel, a win means more than just a finals berth. It’s a shot at redemption after being ousted by Ginebra in their last semifinal encounter. It’s also a chance to reclaim dominance in the All-Filipino conference, where the Beermen have long been a powerhouse but haven’t won a crown since 2022.
Austria and his players are driven not just by revenge but also by legacy. After missing out on the finals in the season’s earlier conferences, the Beermen are eager to stamp their authority once again.
Ginebra Not Backing Down
Despite back-to-back losses, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone remains hopeful. The Kings are known for rallying when their backs are against the wall, and Cone believes his team can bounce back if they find their rhythm—particularly their shooting touch, which deserted them in the last two games.
“All is not lost,” said Cone, as he looks to ignite another NSD comeback.
Ginebra’s recent struggles—highlighted by poor shooting and costly miscues—have hampered their offense, leading to a lopsided 82-107 loss in Game 4, followed by their Game 5 defeat. However, with the series still alive, the Kings are expected to come out swinging in what could be a Sunday night classic.
What’s at Stake
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For San Miguel: A shot at their first finals appearance this season, a potential return to championship glory, and redemption from past playoff exits.
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For Ginebra: Extending their remarkable run of finals appearances and keeping their season alive through the franchise’s trademark resilience.
With the stakes higher than ever, Game 6 is poised to deliver high drama. The Beermen have the edge, but never count out Ginebra. Whether this series ends on Sunday or stretches to a do-or-die Game 7, fans are in for a memorable finish to what has already been an intense semifinal series.