The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals are set to ignite with a blockbuster double-header this Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Four of the league's most prominent franchises will begin their quest for a finals berth in what promises to be an electrifying start to the new year.
Semifinals Schedule and Matchups
The action kicks off at 5:15 p.m. as the Meralco Bolts and TNT Tropang 5G face off in the first game. The main event follows at 7:30 p.m., featuring the highly anticipated clash between sister teams San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. Both series are a best-of-seven format, ensuring a prolonged and intense battle for a spot in the championship round.
Defending Champions Face Familiar Foe
The San Miguel Beermen, the defending champions, enter the semifinals with immense momentum. They are currently on a 10-game winning streak, a remarkable turnaround after starting the conference with two consecutive losses. This marks the franchise's fifth straight semifinals appearance in the All-Filipino Cup and its 11th in the last 12 seasons.
Once again, the Beermen will rely heavily on their cornerstone, Cebuano big man Junemar Fajardo. Fajardo is coming off a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, where he posted a monster stat line of 26 points, 23 rebounds, and a team-high 6 assists. His presence will be pivotal against a physical Ginebra squad.
Coaches' Corner: Strategy and Mindset
San Miguel coach Leo Austria credited his team's resilience and winning experience for their current run. "I'll charge this win to experience," Austria stated, reflecting on their unbeaten streak. He specifically praised Fajardo's ability to elevate his game when it matters most. "The likes of June Mar, he didn't score a lot in the first half but come the second half, he did. He knows how to win," Austria added.
On the other side, Ginebra's legendary coach Tim Cone acknowledged the familiarity between the two teams and the challenge ahead. "We know them. They know us. And we took them to seven games last time. We're going to try to flip the script this time around," Cone declared, setting the stage for a tactical duel between two of the PBA's most successful coaches.
As the league celebrates its golden season, the semifinals promise high-stakes basketball. With historic rivalries, superstar performances, and strategic masterminds at the helm, fans are guaranteed a spectacle starting this Sunday at the Big Dome.
