SAN MIGUEL AIMS FOR 31ST CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST TNT

SAN Miguel Beer continues its quest for dominance as the Beermen open their PBA Philippine Cup title defense on Wednesday against dangerous TNT in Game 1 of the best-of-seven Finals series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, Rizal.

Game time is 7:30 p.m.The Beermen will be gunning for their 31st league championship as the franchise, which has been there since the formation of the PBA in 1975, looks formidable as ever given the presence of nine-time league Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo.The 6-foot-10 Fajardo averaged over 14 points and 19 rebounds in San Miguel’s 4-2 semifinal series win against Barangay Ginebra.What’s more, the Cebuano big man is surrounded by an armada of veterans led by CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Chris Ross, and gunners like Juami Tiongon and Jeron Teng.Such depth is one thing TNT coach Chot Reyes will try to address, although the Tropang 5G have also boosted their bench after signing up Jio Jalalon, Kevin Ferrer and Tyrus Hill during the offseason.“I’m really looking forward for a chance to play that team with a more complete team. Still not 100 percent, and even if we are 100 percent [healthy] and complete, it’s not guaranteed [we can beat San Miguel],” said Reyes during Monday’s PBA Finals press conference at Novotel Manila in Cubao, Quezon City.“But at least we’re giving ourselves a better chance now.”TNT bowed to San Miguel, 4-2, in last season’s Philippine Cup Finals.That series saw the Tropang 5G lose spitfire guard Simon Enciso and big man Poy Erram to injuries during the course of the Finals series. Even before the finals, TNT stars Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac were already sidelined with injuries.Reyes, meanwhile, said shooter Roger Pogoy might be out for a long period due to a hamstring injury he sustained in the semifinal round versus Meralco.TNT’s last Philippine Cup championship was won in 2021, but previously, the franchise won three straight from 2011 to 2013.San Miguel has since dominated the all-Filipino conference, winning seven times since 2015.

2026-01-20T16:14:45Z