PBA SEMIFINALS GAME 3 : San Miguel vs Brgy. Ginebra LIVESTREAM JUNE 29
PBA Semifinals Heats Up: Ginebra and San Miguel Brace for Crucial Game 3 Showdown
Deadlock Broken, Stakes Raised
The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals are in full swing as the San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra Kings head into Game 3 of their best-of-seven series all tied up at 1-1. After two intense matchups played in front of enthusiastic crowds—Game 1 at the MOA Arena and Game 2 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium—the stage is now set for what promises to be an even more electrifying battle at the Smart Araneta Coliseum this Sunday.
Both powerhouse squads have felt each other out, and now the real chess match begins. Only this time, the moves are more aggressive, the action more physical, and the pressure greater. A 2-1 series lead is on the line, and neither team wants to blink.
Game 1: Ginebra’s Stunning Comeback
The Kings fired the opening salvo in the series, showcasing their trademark “Never-Say-Die” spirit. Down by as much as 18 points, Ginebra clawed back in gritty fashion to escape with a 73-71 victory. Their defense tightened up when it mattered most, and timely plays down the stretch allowed them to steal Game 1 from the heavily favored Beermen.
It was a classic Ginebra win—scrappy, emotional, and fueled by resilience.
Game 2: San Miguel’s Statement Win
But San Miguel wasn’t about to let that loss define the series. Adjusting quickly and wisely, the Beermen bounced back in Game 2 with a dominant 100-83 win. Despite dealing with the lingering calf injury of star center June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel leaned on its deep and talented bench to level the series.
SMB head coach Leo Austria highlighted how crucial teamwork was in overcoming the limited minutes of their franchise big man:
“Ang strength ng team ay na kay June Mar. But don’t forget, the strength of June Mar is with his teammates.”
The numbers tell the story of Game 2. San Miguel had six players scoring in double digits, showing off their offensive balance. They out-rebounded Ginebra 49-38 and shot a sharp 48.8% from the field, compared to the Kings’ 42.5%. Even with Fajardo playing only a little over 17 minutes, the Beermen dominated key statistical areas.
Coach Austria revealed that while Fajardo was cleared by doctors to play, the star center made the selfless decision to come off the bench:
“Before the game, he was one of the early birds so that means he wants to play. But… he asked me, ‘Coach, don’t start me.’”
JMF: Ready, Even in Limited Minutes
June Mar Fajardo remains committed to helping his team, even in a reduced role. The six-time MVP knows the importance of every game and vows to contribute in whatever way he can:
“Lahat naman tayo gustong manalo. So kahit managed minutes, laro lang.”
Fajardo’s leadership and presence on the floor—even in limited spurts—are still invaluable for the Beermen, especially as they enter the pivotal stretch of the semifinals.
Ginebra Responds: Ready for the Toughest Fight
For Barangay Ginebra, Game 2 served as a wake-up call. After winning Game 1 by a razor-thin margin, they were clearly outplayed in the follow-up. The 18-point defeat exposed areas they must tighten up—especially in rebounding and consistency on both ends.
Still, the Kings remain unfazed. They know what’s at stake and understand the kind of fight they’ll need to bring on Sunday to regain the upper hand in the series. Their identity as a gritty, never-back-down team is built for moments like these.
Looking Ahead to Game 3
As the series shifts to the Smart Araneta Coliseum, expect emotions to run high and fans to pack the venue. With the series tied 1-1, Game 3 could very well serve as the tipping point.
Will San Miguel continue to capitalize on their depth and maintain their momentum despite Fajardo’s condition? Or will Ginebra summon another spirited performance to take back control?
One thing’s for sure: the war between two of the PBA’s most storied franchises is just getting started. And as the tension builds, so does the excitement—for players, coaches, and fans alike.