PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals: San Miguel Beermen Tighten Grip as TNT Struggles for Survival

The 2025 PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals is shaping up to be an intense battle of grit, strategy, and resilience. The San Miguel Beermen (SMB), led by their towering star June Mar Fajardo, are one win away from taking a commanding 3-1 series lead over the injury-depleted TNT Tropang Giga (Tropang 5G). With the next showdown scheduled at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, all eyes are on whether TNT can muster enough strength and strategy to turn the tide or if SMB will continue its dominant march toward reclaiming the league’s most coveted crown.

The TNT Tropang Giga’s Struggles

A Dire Lineup Situation

TNT coach Chot Reyes has had to make tough adjustments, including the risky decision of assigning Glenn Khobuntin to guard June Mar Fajardo in Game 3. This move highlighted the precarious state of the Tropang Giga roster, which has been plagued by injuries to key players like Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, and Poy Erram. These absences have left TNT with glaring gaps in both defense and playmaking, forcing players to take on roles outside their natural positions.

Reyes admitted that the turnovers and on-court struggles were a direct result of missing their top point guards. “We’re forcing Jordan Heading to play the point, which is not his natural position. We’re just making do. If Jason and Rey were available, maybe we wouldn’t be turning over the ball that much,” said Reyes.

Despite these challenges, TNT remains determined to fight. “It was too much to ask for us to win against a super powerful team like San Miguel even if we were complete—lalo na ngayon na kulang kami. But we’re going to keep fighting and see what happens,” Reyes assured.

San Miguel’s Killer Instinct

Fajardo’s Dominance

June Mar Fajardo has been the unstoppable force behind San Miguel’s success. Fresh off a 33-point, 11-rebound performance in their 108-88 blowout of TNT in Game 3, Fajardo has shown why he’s widely regarded as one of the best players in PBA history. His ability to dominate both ends of the court has not only given SMB the edge but has also demoralized a TNT squad struggling with depth.

Fajardo is also on track to win the Best Player of the Conference (BPC) award, edging out strong contenders like CJ Perez (his teammate), Robert Bolick (NLEX), Jason Perkins (Phoenix Super LPG), and Zav Lucero (Magnolia). Despite the likely individual recognition, Fajardo remains focused on the bigger goal. “I would be happy to win, but the championship is my biggest desire,” he stated.

Momentum Shift in the Finals

With back-to-back wins (98-92 in Game 2 and 108-88 in Game 3), the Beermen have seized full control of the series. Their confidence and composure are evident, as coach Leo Austria pointed out. “Everybody is inspired. I have to give credit to their grit—talagang matatapang sila maglaro,” Austria said. He also emphasized his team’s relentless mentality: “Even though we’re leading by double figures in the last two minutes, they’re still there forcing TNT to commit turnovers.”

This winning mindset has positioned SMB just one step away from reclaiming the Philippine Cup title, reinforcing their status as a PBA dynasty.

Key Factors Behind San Miguel’s Dominance

Depth and Experience

Unlike TNT, which has been handicapped by injuries, San Miguel boasts a complete and versatile lineup. Beyond Fajardo, players like CJ Perez have been instrumental in providing scoring firepower and defensive intensity. This depth allows SMB to adjust to various game situations and maintain high energy levels throughout the match.

Offensive Efficiency

San Miguel’s offense has been firing on all cylinders. They have effectively utilized inside-out plays, capitalizing on Fajardo’s presence in the paint to create open shots for their perimeter shooters. Their 108-point explosion in Game 3 underscores their ability to break down TNT’s weakened defense.

Defensive Pressure

SMB’s defense has been just as impressive. Their aggressive approach has forced TNT into committing costly turnovers, especially with the absence of reliable ball handlers. This defensive edge has translated into fast-break opportunities and easy points, further demoralizing the Tropang Giga.

TNT’s Fighting Spirit

Adversity as Motivation

Despite their struggles, TNT has not thrown in the towel. Coach Chot Reyes continues to emphasize resilience and teamwork. “We just take it as it is. We have to find a way. We told our players just to keep fighting,” Reyes said, signaling that TNT will continue to bring their best effort on the floor.

Players like Glenn Khobuntin and Jordan Heading, though playing out of their natural roles, have shown admirable determination. However, without their main stars like Jayson Castro to orchestrate plays or Poy Erram to defend the paint, TNT’s uphill battle remains daunting.

Keys to a Possible Comeback

For TNT to have a fighting chance in the upcoming game, they must:

1. Minimize Turnovers: With limited point guard options, they need to play smarter and avoid unforced errors.

2. Rebound as a Team: Fajardo’s dominance on the boards has hurt TNT. They need collective effort to contest rebounds.

3. Increase Perimeter Accuracy: TNT must rely on outside shooting to stretch SMB’s defense and create scoring opportunities.

4. Slow Down Fajardo: Though stopping him entirely is unlikely, TNT must employ double-teams and physical defense to at least disrupt his rhythm.

---

Game 4: A Pivotal Moment

The stakes couldn’t be higher for Game 4. Scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, the game will follow the awarding of the Best Player of the Conference trophy—a moment that could serve as additional motivation for Fajardo and the Beermen.

A victory for SMB would give them a commanding 3-1 lead, putting them on the brink of another championship. On the other hand, a win for TNT could breathe new life into the series, shifting momentum and proving that they can still compete despite their handicaps.

The Bigger Picture: SMB’s Quest for Greatness

San Miguel’s dominance in the Philippine Cup over the past decade is nothing short of historic. With multiple titles under their belt and a roster stacked with talent, they are poised to extend their legacy. This season, their hunger for success is evident—not just from their star players but from the entire team’s commitment to excellence.

Coach Leo Austria’s leadership has been instrumental in instilling this championship mindset. His ability to manage egos, create effective game plans, and inspire his players has kept SMB at the forefront of the league.

TNT’s Road Ahead

While this series may be slipping away from TNT, their resilience cannot be discounted. The Tropang Giga have been a formidable team in recent years, with multiple Finals appearances and a championship pedigree of their own. This adversity could serve as a stepping stone for them to rebuild, strengthen their roster, and come back even stronger in future seasons.

The current situation highlights the importance of depth in the PBA. Injuries are part of the game, and teams with a deeper bench often have the upper hand in long playoff battles.

A Clash of Determination and Legacy

The PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga is more than just a basketball series—it’s a story of perseverance, strategy, and legacy. San Miguel’s dominance, powered by June Mar Fajardo’s brilliance and their well-rounded roster, has put them on the cusp of another championship. Meanwhile, TNT’s fighting spirit, despite being hampered by injuries, serves as a testament to their determination and heart.

As Game 4 approaches, the spotlight is firmly on how TNT will respond to adversity. Will they find a way to stun SMB and keep the series alive, or will San Miguel tighten its grip and move one step closer to yet another Philippine Cup title?