History repeated itself as San Miguel denied TNT a shot at PBA immortality by capturing the Season 49 Philippine Cup title following a 107-96 victory in Game 6 of the Finals, Friday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Beermen turned things around in the second chapter before pulling away for good in the ensuing period toward completing their own redemption story — one that took the league’s winningest franchise over 13 months to author.
And they accomplished the feat by blowing up their long-time corporate rivals’ Grand Slam aspirations in a result that brought flashbacks of 2011.
San Miguel, then carrying the Petron banner, stood in the Tropang Texters’ way of a rare treble and eventually foiled their bid by emerging triumphant in a best-of-7 titular bout that went the distance.
The present-day Beermen, though, needed only six games — it could have been five, if you asked their die-hard fans — to do so, ultimately regaining the Perpetual trophy which they lost to Chris Newsome and Meralco last season.
With this, SMB has added championship no.30 to an extremely rich collection, and its 11th Philippine Cup crown — both the most in league history.
“It’s a lot of hard work for his team,” said head coach Leo Austria, who won his 10th title as a mentor. “I’m happy for them. Binili nila ‘yung sistema ko.”
Five players finished in double figures in the sweet triumph, with 12-time Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo bannering the attack with another double-double of 24 points and 12 rebounds to give himself his 11th league title.
The Cebuano star scored 10 of his points in the third behind a perfect 5-for-5 clip to lead a 34-point explosion for an 86-67 lead to put the game away.
CJ Perez came through with 24 as well, including 16 in the first half — highlighted by a pair of four-pointers in the second period as the one-time BPC led the reversal after they all stared at a 23-25 deficit after the first.
Jericho Cruz produced 13 points, three rebounds, and six assists as he went on to earn PBA Press Corps Finals MVP honors for his consistent play this series.
“Lahat kami, nag-uusap-usap kami na talagang we have to play like it’s our last game every game kaya pagpasok namin, buhos lahat,” said Cruz.
Don Trollano delivered 12 points — spiked by two triples — while Mo Tautua’a chipped in 10 as the usual suspects delivered in the strong closeout.
SMB shot an excellent 57.1-percent from the floor and ruled the boards mightily with 48 rebounds, 23 more than what their foes hauled down.
Calvin Oftana led TNT in the crushing loss with 19 points. Former league MVP Kelly Williams made 17 points while Brandon Rosser had 15.
Almond Vosotros and Jordan Heading supplied 13 points apiece, while RR Pogoy added 12 markers for the flagship MVP Group franchise.
As heartbreaking as the result was, it was still a season to remember for the Tropang 5G. They have won two championships — and have a high potential of defending both once all their injured players return to full health.
Already without Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, Coach Chot Reyes lost Poy Erram back in Game 5 due to a meniscus tear. That forced Reyes to play with a short rotation, although it worked as it led to a Game 5 win.
But all that it could do was extend the series to one game, with San Miguel refusing to let up to finish them off once and for all.
The Scores:
San Miguel 107 – Fajardo 24, Perez 24, Cruz 13, Trollano 12, Tautuaa 10, Ross 9, Lassiter 7, Brondial 4, Tiongson 4, Teng 0
TNT 96 – Oftana 19, Williams 17, Ganuelas-Rosser 15, Heading 13, Vosotros 13, Pogoy 12, Khobuntin 5, Aurin 2, Heruela 0, Galinato 0.
Quarterscores: 23-25, 52-47, 86-76, 107-96.
