As I settled into my courtside seat for this highly anticipated PBA matchup between Meralco and San Miguel, I couldn't help but recall Coach Manansala's recent comments about maintaining the right mindset throughout the season. His words echoed in my mind as I watched both teams warm up, knowing how crucial mental preparation would be in this clash of titans. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've seen countless teams falter not because of skill deficiencies, but due to that dangerous relaxation Coach Manansala warned about. Tonight's game would test both teams' consistency and mental fortitude, especially with the championship implications hanging in the balance.
The first quarter unfolded with Meralco establishing an early 28-24 lead, largely thanks to Chris Newsome's explosive start. What impressed me most wasn't just his 12-point output in the opening period, but his defensive intensity against San Miguel's primary scorers. Having watched Newsome develop over the years, I've noticed how his game has matured - he's no longer just an athletic specimen but a genuine two-way threat who understands when to attack and when to facilitate. On the other side, June Mar Fajardo started relatively quietly, which surprised me given his dominance throughout the season. San Miguel seemed to be feeling out Meralco's defensive schemes, perhaps too cautious in their approach rather than playing their natural game.
By halftime, the game had tightened to 52-50 in San Miguel's favor, and the shift in momentum was palpable. What struck me was how both teams embodied that very mindset challenge Coach Manansala had highlighted. Meralco started strong but seemed to relax momentarily in the second quarter, allowing San Miguel back into the game. Meanwhile, the Beermen demonstrated why they've been so successful historically - their ability to weather early storms and methodically work their way back into contests. CJ Perez particularly stood out with his 18 first-half points, showing that explosive scoring ability that makes him so dangerous in these high-stakes matchups.
The third quarter revealed what separates championship contenders from pretenders. Meralco's Allein Maliksi caught fire, scoring 14 points in the period alone, including three crucial three-pointers that stretched their lead to seven points at one stage. I've always been somewhat critical of Maliksi's consistency, but tonight he proved me wrong with his timely shooting and improved decision-making. However, San Miguel's response typified their championship pedigree. Rather than panicking, they stuck to their system, with Fajardo beginning to dominate inside and finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds overall. The battle in the paint between Fajardo and Meralco's Raymond Almazan was particularly fascinating to watch - two completely different centers with contrasting styles but equally effective in their roles.
What truly decided this game, in my opinion, was the fourth-quarter execution. With the score tied at 85-85 and just under three minutes remaining, both teams traded crucial baskets in a display of elite PBA basketball. Chris Ross, whom I've always considered one of the most underrated guards in the league, made two critical defensive plays that ultimately swung the game in San Miguel's favor. His steal against Newsome with 1:12 remaining led to a fast-break layup that put San Miguel up for good. Meralco had opportunities down the stretch, but their shot selection betrayed them when it mattered most - something that often separates experienced teams from those still learning how to close out big games.
Looking at the individual matchups, the Newsome versus Perez duel lived up to its billing, with both stars finishing with impressive stat lines. Newsome's 26 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds showcased his all-around game, while Perez's 29 points and 5 steals demonstrated his scoring prowess and defensive activity. However, I'd argue that Fajardo's quiet dominance in the second half proved more impactful, as his interior presence forced Meralco to collapse defensively, opening up perimeter opportunities for San Miguel's shooters. The big man's ability to control the game without necessarily dominating the scoring column is something I've always admired about his game.
Reflecting on Coach Manansala's preseason concerns, this game perfectly illustrated why maintaining consistency and avoiding relaxation remains so challenging yet crucial. Meralco showed flashes of brilliance but couldn't sustain their intensity for the full 48 minutes, while San Miguel's experience and poise in clutch situations ultimately made the difference. The final score of 98-94 in San Miguel's favor doesn't fully capture how competitive this game truly was, with six lead changes in the fourth quarter alone. From my perspective, both teams demonstrated why they're considered championship contenders, but San Miguel's ability to execute under pressure and avoid the mental lapses that Coach Manansala warned about proved decisive. As the season progresses, I'll be watching closely to see which team can maintain that consistent, focused approach that separates good teams from great ones.
