PBA Semifinals Game 4 Preview: Ginebra Looks to Build Momentum, San Miguel Aims to Regroup
A Much-Needed Break for Both Teams
After an intense stretch of three games in just five days, both Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beermen welcomed the two-day breather leading up to Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. For Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, the pause is essential, especially given his preference for a short rotation, with his core players logging heavy minutes.
San Miguel, meanwhile, benefitted as well — particularly injured star June Mar Fajardo, who’s nursing a calf strain. The extra rest allowed him more time to recover as the Beermen look to bounce back.
Crucial Game 4 on the Horizon
The stage is set for a pivotal Game 4 clash at the MOA Arena in Pasay City this Wednesday at 5 p.m. With Ginebra leading the best-of-seven series 2-1, a win would put them just one game away from a Finals berth. However, San Miguel is looking to tie the series and reset the battle heading into the tail end of the semis.
Veteran center and eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo remains optimistic despite their Game 3 loss, saying:
“Bawi next time, mahaba pa ang series.”
(We’ll bounce back next time, it’s still a long series.)
The Battle of Depth and Endurance
Although Ginebra currently holds the edge in momentum and confidence, fatigue is becoming a concern for Cone’s tightly managed lineup. The Kings have been relying heavily on six to seven players, raising questions about how long they can sustain the physical and mental grind if the series stretches to a Game 7.
In contrast, San Miguel enjoys a deeper rotation, which could serve them well in a long, grueling series. Their ability to spread minutes across more players gives them a potential endurance advantage, especially if the matchups continue to be physical and closely contested.
Kings Holding the Psychological Edge
Despite their shorter bench, Ginebra is determined to keep control of the series. The Kings are riding high after their Game 3 victory and are eyeing back-to-back wins to tighten their grip on the series.
Star guard Scottie Thompson remains cautiously confident:
“We’ll try the best we can to get the next game although alam natin na mabigat ang San Miguel, and they have what it takes to bounce back from a loss.”
(We’ll do our best to win the next game, though we know San Miguel is tough and capable of bouncing back.)
Thompson, along with Stephen Holt, Japeth Aguilar, Troy Rosario, Jamie Malonzo, and RJ Abarrientos, continues to shoulder the bulk of the workload for Ginebra. Each has played a key role in the team’s campaign so far and will be instrumental in sustaining their edge.
What’s at Stake
Game 4 could prove to be the turning point of the series. A Ginebra win pushes San Miguel to the brink of elimination, while a Beermen bounce-back knots the series at 2-2, essentially turning it into a best-of-three affair.
With both teams well-rested and hungry for victory, fans can expect a thrilling battle between two of the PBA’s most storied franchises — where every possession, every defensive stand, and every coaching decision could swing the balance of power.
As the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals continue, the spotlight is firmly on Game 4. Ginebra aims to press their advantage and move closer to the Finals, while San Miguel looks to remind everyone why they remain a perennial powerhouse. Whether it’s grit or depth that wins out, this chapter of the rivalry is far from over.