The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals ignite on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with two blockbuster matchups set to unfold at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The action-packed double-header will see the Meralco Bolts take on the TNT Tropang 5G, followed by the much-anticipated clash between sister teams Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen.
Ginebra and San Miguel Renew Championship Rivalry
The main event at 7:30 PM features Game 1 of a best-of-seven semifinal series between the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings and the San Miguel Beermen. This marks another chapter in their storied rivalry, with Ginebra head coach Tim Cone acknowledging the monumental 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 stated, referencing their previous intense playoff encounter.
Coach Cone was clear that defeating the Beermen is no easy task. San Miguel has proven to be a powerhouse in the All-Filipino conference, making this their fifth consecutive semifinals appearance and their 11th in the past 12 seasons. Despite a rocky 0-2 start to the season, SMB mounted an impressive comeback, winning ten consecutive games in the elimination round to secure their spot.
June Mar Fajardo Leads Beermen's Dominant Charge
The Beermen's strength was on full display in their previous series against the NLEX Road Warriors, where their star player, the many-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, delivered a monstrous performance. The Cebuano big man put up 26 points, 23 rebounds, and 6 assists to propel his team forward. SMB coach Leo Austria credited the victory to experience and his team's winning mentality, especially in crucial moments.
"They know how to win, especially in the second half," Austria said. "We struggled in the first half because NLEX came really prepared... But 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." This ability to execute under pressure is what makes San Miguel a formidable opponent for any team, including the crowd-favorite Ginebra.
Meralco and TNT Kick Off Semifinals Action
Opening the semifinals festivities at 5:15 PM will be the duel between the Meralco Bolts and the TNT Tropang 5G. This early game sets the stage for an evening of high-stakes basketball, as both teams vie for a crucial first win in their own series. The intensity is expected to be high from the opening tip-off as these squads look to gain an early psychological and tactical advantage.
The start of the PBA Season 50 semifinals marks a pivotal moment in the league's historic golden season. With legendary rivalries rekindled and top-tier talent like June Mar Fajardo leading the charge, fans are guaranteed a showcase of the best Philippine basketball has to offer. All eyes will be on the Smart Araneta Coliseum this Sunday to see which teams will move one step closer to the coveted Philippine Cup championship.
