The stage is set for a thrilling championship showdown in the PBA Philippine Cup, with San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang Giga booking their tickets to the Finals after navigating dramatically different paths through the semifinals.
Contrasting Roads to the Championship Series
While both teams ultimately prevailed, their journeys could not have been more different. San Miguel Beer, the defending champions, were pushed to the limit by the crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, requiring six hard-fought games to secure a 4-2 series victory. In stark contrast, TNT Tropang Giga dispatched the Meralco Bolts in five games, finishing their series with a 4-1 margin.
The Beermen's triumph was far from the dominant display many expected. Tagged as heavy favorites, they struggled at times against Ginebra's relentless spirit and were nearly devoid of their usual explosive firepower for stretches of the series.
TNT's Heart-Stopping Game 5 Escape
TNT's series-clinching victory on January 19, 2026, was anything but a simple walk in the park. In Game 5, Meralco held a 96-91 lead with just over 20 seconds remaining, poised to force a sixth game.
With fans already heading for the exits, Rey Nambatac launched an improbable four-pointer from the left quarter court, pulling TNT to within a single point at 96-95. The drama escalated instantly when Jordan Heading stole the ball from CJ Cancino during Meralco's ensuing inbound play. Heading then raced downcourt for an uncontested layup, giving TNT a stunning 97-96 lead that sealed their second consecutive Finals appearance.
The sequence left many questioning a critical decision by Meralco's Serbian consultant, who was coaching the team. His choice not to call a timeout immediately after Nambatac's clutch shot became a major post-game talking point.
San Miguel Survives Ginebra's Never-Say-Die Spirit
San Miguel also faced a tense moment in their close-out Game 6. After building a commanding 19-point lead, they watched as Ginebra—the league's embodiment of the "never-say-die" attitude—mounted a furious comeback. A triple from Norbert Torres brought the Gin Kings to within four points at 83-79, threatening a monumental collapse.
Enter Don Trollano. The Beermen's reliable bench player once again played the role of rescuer, scoring 11 crucial points during a blistering 16-4 run. This surge restored San Miguel's comfort, giving them a 99-83 advantage with only 2:01 left on the clock.
The victory was capped by a phenomenal performance from CJ Perez, who set a new career-high with 41 points. His historic first quarter alone saw him score 30 points on a perfect 12-of-12 shooting from the field, setting a new PBA record for flawless shooting in a single quarter.
The PBA Philippine Cup Finals, a race-to-four championship series, is now set to begin. The action tips off on January 21, 2026, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, promising a rematch filled with high stakes, elite talent, and guaranteed excitement.
