PBA Finals Game 3: San Miguel and TNT Clash with Series Tied 1-1
The Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup Finals are heating up as the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G prepare for a pivotal Game 3 showdown. With the best-of-seven series now deadlocked at one game apiece, both teams are set to battle at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, January 25, 2026, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Series Momentum Shifts After Split Opening Games
The finals series has seen dramatic swings in momentum over the first two contests. TNT Tropang 5G struck first in Game 1, securing a hard-fought 96–91 victory. Their win was fueled by precise execution and a standout performance from the bench unit, setting an early tone for the championship round.
However, the San Miguel Beermen, the defending champions, responded emphatically in Game 2. They dominated with a commanding 111–92 win to level the series, showcasing their resilience and championship pedigree.
Key Players Step Up for San Miguel
In Game 2, Don Trollano emerged as a crucial spark for the Beermen, exploding for a game-high 22 points off the bench. Reflecting on his performance, Trollano stated, "Mindset ko talaga bumawi kasi Game 1 pangit ng laro ko. Inisip ko lang, hindi kami pwedeng ma-down two games so ginawa ko best ko para makatulong sa team." His aggressive play was instrumental in San Miguel's bounce-back effort.
Supporting Trollano, Jericho Cruz added 12 points from the bench, helping to maintain the early momentum generated by the starting lineup. The Beermen's starters—June Mar Fajardo, Moala Tautuaa, CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, and Juami Tiongson—set a strong foundation, with Fajardo, the Cebuano big man known as "The Kraken," expected to be a central figure in Game 3 as San Miguel aims to seize control of the series.
Coaching Insights and Anticipated Battle
San Miguel coach Leo Austria praised his team's renewed intensity and focus following the Game 2 victory. He emphasized the importance of preventing TNT from taking a 2–0 series lead, noting that the win was crucial for team morale. With the series now tied, Austria acknowledged the escalating challenge, stating that the Beermen must be prepared for a determined counterattack from TNT in Game 3.
As the action shifts to Pasay City, both teams are poised for a fierce contest. The outcome of Game 3 could significantly influence the direction of the finals, with San Miguel looking to build on their momentum and TNT aiming to reclaim the upper hand in this tightly contested championship series.
