June Mar Fajardo Leads San Miguel to 2-1 Lead in PBA Finals

In a commanding performance, June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen secured a 108-88 victory over the TNT Tropang 5G, taking a 2-1 lead in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup finals on July 19, 2025. The game, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, marked the first time this season that TNT found themselves trailing in a best-of-seven series, highlighting a significant momentum shift in the finals.

Fajardo, an eight-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), showcased his exceptional skills, scoring a conference-high 33 points, along with 11 rebounds and three assists, while shooting an impressive 80% from the field. His dominant presence in the paint exploited TNT's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the absence of their key interior player, JP Erram, who has been sidelined due to injury.

According to Coach Leo Austria of the San Miguel Beermen, "We knew we had to capitalize on their weaknesses inside, especially without Erram. June Mar's ability to control the game from the post was crucial for our success today." This strategy paid off, as San Miguel outscored TNT 48-28 in the paint, a critical factor in their win.

The Beermen's offensive game plan effectively utilized Fajardo’s size and skill set, running plays designed to maximize his impact on every possession. Fajardo’s ability to score off post-ups and capitalize on mismatches severely challenged TNT's defensive structure. Jericho Cruz also contributed significantly, adding 13 points and three assists, effectively maneuvering around TNT's defenders to create scoring opportunities.

In contrast, TNT struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, as their perimeter players were unable to find their rhythm. RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, and Jordan Heading managed only 5-of-15 shooting from three-point range, a stark contrast to their previous performances. Head Coach Jojo Lastimosa acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, "We have to regroup and find ways to adjust, especially with our shooting. If we don’t step up, our Grand Slam aspirations could be at stake."

Furthermore, San Miguel's defensive schemes proved effective in containing TNT's dribble-drive offense, resulting in 18 turnovers that the Beermen converted into 32 points. The defensive coordination, led by Chris Ross, who added 15 points and four three-pointers, was pivotal in maintaining pressure on TNT's ball handlers and disrupting their offensive flow.

As the series progresses, the absence of Erram raises questions about TNT's ability to adapt defensively. With increasing pressure mounting, the onus now falls on veteran Kelly Williams and the less experienced bigs, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Henry Galinato, to step up in Erram's absence. The next game will be critical for both teams as they strive to assert their dominance in the finals and secure a path toward the championship.

This series continues to draw significant attention not only due to the high stakes involved but also because of the rivalry between these two teams, with passionate fan bases eager to support their respective squads. As the PBA Philippine Cup finals unfold, all eyes will be on how both teams respond to the challenges ahead, especially with the series now leaning in favor of San Miguel. The next game promises to be another thrilling chapter in this high-stakes battle for supremacy in Philippine basketball.