France League

I still remember sitting in the press row during Game 5 of the PBA Finals, feeling the arena's electric tension that seemed to thicken with every possession. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed countless championship moments, but this particular game between San Miguel and TNT had that special quality that separates memorable contests from legendary ones. The series stood at 2-2, making this essentially a championship game within the championship series - winner takes the momentum, loser faces elimination with their backs against the wall.

What struck me most about that game was how it defied expectations until the very end. For three quarters, we saw TNT executing with military precision, their ball movement creating open looks that had San Miguel's defense scrambling. Roger Pogoy was absolutely sensational, finishing with 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting, and I remember thinking midway through the third quarter that TNT might just run away with it. Their lead had ballooned to 13 points at one stage, and San Miguel's veterans looked gassed, struggling to contain TNT's transition game. The energy in the arena had shifted noticeably, with TNT's supporters growing increasingly vocal while San Miguel's faithful watched with concerned expressions.

Then came the fourth quarter turnaround that I'll be discussing for years to come. What many casual observers might miss when reviewing the highlights is how San Miguel's coaching staff made subtle adjustments that completely changed the game's flow. They started sending hard doubles at Jayson Castro every time he penetrated, forcing other players to make decisions under pressure. This is where June Mar Fajouri's basketball IQ truly shone - his positioning in the paint forced TNT to collapse, opening driving lanes for his guards. I've always maintained that Fajouri's impact transcends statistics, but even his numbers that night were staggering: 24 points, 15 rebounds, and what I counted as 7 altered shots that don't appear in the traditional box score.

The critical sequence that ultimately decided the game arrived with just under three minutes remaining. San Miguel trailed by four when Chris Ross, who'd been relatively quiet offensively, intercepted a pass near midcourt and converted a contested layup while drawing the foul. That three-point play seemed to ignite something in the entire squad. What followed was the Pablo-led run that shifted the momentum permanently in San Miguel's favor. CJ Perez, who I believe is the most underrated two-way player in the league, scored eight points during this stretch, including two acrobatic finishes at the rim that brought the crowd to its feet. His energy seemed infectious, with San Miguel suddenly playing with the urgency and confidence that had been missing earlier.

Then came the moment that will haunt TNT fans for quite some time - that costly service error from Jewel Encarnacion with just 48 seconds remaining and TNT trailing by only two points. Having watched Encarnacion throughout his career, I know he's typically reliable in high-pressure situations, which made this miscue particularly surprising. The inbound pass sailed over Mikey Williams' outstretched hands, resulting in a turnover that essentially sealed TNT's fate. In my analysis, this wasn't merely about one errant pass but reflected the cumulative pressure San Miguel's defense had been applying throughout the fourth quarter. They had progressively tightened their defensive screws, and this was the eventual payoff.

What impressed me most about San Miguel's performance was their veteran composure during those final minutes. While younger teams might have rushed shots or forced unnecessary attempts, San Miguel worked the clock intelligently, often getting high-percentage looks near the basket. Marcio Lassiter's corner three with 1:12 remaining was particularly crucial - it stretched the lead to five and forced TNT into desperation mode. I've always admired Lassiter's movement without the ball, and this play exemplified why he remains one of the most dangerous shooters in the league even at this stage of his career.

Looking back, I'm convinced this game will be remembered as a classic example of championship experience prevailing over youthful energy. TNT had the more athletic roster and arguably executed better for three quarters, but San Miguel's veterans understood how to elevate their game when it mattered most. The statistical breakdown reveals just how dramatic the fourth quarter turnaround was - San Miguel outscored TNT 31-18 in the final period, shooting 65% from the field while holding TNT to just 35%. These numbers underscore the complete reversal of fortune that occurred down the stretch.

As someone who has analyzed hundreds of PBA games, I consider this fourth quarter performance among the most impressive I've witnessed from San Miguel in recent years. The way they systematically dismantled TNT's defense while simultaneously ramping up their own defensive intensity showcased why they've been the league's most successful franchise over the past decade. While individual brilliance certainly played its part, this was ultimately a triumph of collective will and championship DNA. The lessons from this game will undoubtedly influence both teams' approaches as they continue their rivalry in seasons to come, and I feel privileged to have witnessed this chapter of PBA history unfold from such a prime vantage point.