2025-11-04 10:00
by
nlpkak
Let me tell you something about PBA rivalries - when San Miguel and Ginebra face off, it's never just another game. I've been covering Philippine basketball for over a decade now, and I can confidently say this matchup represents something deeper than mere competition. It's cultural, it's historical, and Saturday's 93-84 victory for San Miguel felt particularly significant, not just in the standings but psychologically. That final score doesn't fully capture how hard-fought this game was, especially considering these teams' storied history.
I remember watching from the press box as June Mar Fajardo established his presence early in the first quarter, and I knew we were in for something special. The way he commanded the paint against Ginebra's defense reminded me why he's a six-time MVP - there's just a different level of physicality he brings that changes everything. Christian Standhardinger fought valiantly for Ginebra, finishing with 18 points and 9 rebounds, but facing Fajardo at his best is like trying to stop a tidal wave with your bare hands. What impressed me most was San Miguel's ball movement - 24 assists compared to Ginaebra's 17 tells you everything about their offensive philosophy. They shared the basketball beautifully, finding open shooters and cutting lanes that Ginebra simply couldn't plug consistently.
The third quarter was where the game truly turned, and this is where coaching decisions really stood out. Coach Jorge Gallent made this brilliant adjustment having CJ Perez attack the basket more aggressively, and my goodness did it pay off. Perez ended with 22 points, but more importantly, he drew fouls that put Ginebra's key players in trouble. Meanwhile, on the other side, I noticed Coach Tim Cone sticking with Scottie Thompson for extended minutes despite his shooting struggles - a decision I personally questioned at the time. Thompson finished just 4-of-14 from the field, and in a game this tight, those missed opportunities add up.
Let's talk about that fourth quarter run that essentially sealed the game. With about seven minutes left and San Miguel up by just four points, Terrence Romeo hit back-to-back three-pointers that just sucked the air out of the arena. I've seen Romeo make spectacular shots before, but these were particularly clutch given the timing and defensive pressure. Ginebra never really recovered from that offensive burst, and San Miguel's defense tightened remarkably, holding Ginebra to just 38% shooting in the final period. What surprised me was Ginebra's inability to adjust - they kept forcing outside shots instead of working the ball inside where they had some advantage.
From my perspective, this victory means more than just improving to 5-2 in the standings. There's a psychological component to beating your archrival this convincingly, especially after losing to them in last season's playoffs. The way San Miguel controlled the tempo, particularly in the second half, shows a level of maturity that championship teams develop. They didn't panic when Ginebra made their runs, they stuck to their game plan, and they executed when it mattered most. I've observed this team long enough to recognize when they're clicking on all cylinders, and Saturday's performance had all the markings of a squad finding its championship form.
Looking at the individual performances beyond the stars, I was particularly impressed with Don Trollano's contribution off the bench - his 12 points might not jump off the stat sheet, but his energy and defensive intensity provided the spark San Miguel needed during that crucial second quarter stretch when both teams were struggling offensively. Meanwhile, for Ginebra, I expected more from Maverick Ahanmisi, who's been so reliable all conference but managed only 8 points on 3-of-11 shooting. Sometimes in these high-pressure rivalry games, role players can get overwhelmed by the moment, and that seemed to happen to several of Ginebra's supporting cast.
The fan atmosphere deserves mention too - the energy in the arena was absolutely electric, with that distinctive mix of yellow and red creating this vibrant backdrop to the action. I've always believed that the San Miguel-Ginebra rivalry brings out the best in Philippine basketball culture, and Saturday was no exception. The way the crowd reacted to every basket, every defensive stop, every referee call - it reminded me why this sport means so much to so many people here.
As the final buzzer sounded and that 93-84 victory became official, I couldn't help but think about the implications moving forward. San Miguel now has momentum and, more importantly, the psychological edge heading into the latter part of the conference. For Ginebra, there are clear issues to address - their three-point defense needs work (they allowed San Miguel to shoot 42% from beyond the arc), and they need more consistent production from their bench, which contributed only 18 points compared to San Miguel's 32. Rivalry games like this often define seasons, and based on what I witnessed Saturday, San Miguel has sent a powerful message to the entire league.
