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| Sister teams Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer will face off in the semis of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup. Photo: PBA Images. |
If history and recent form are any indication, buckle up. This doubleheader has classic written all over it.
Meralco Bolts vs. TNT Tropang 5G
Sunday, January 4 | 5:15 p.m. | Smart Araneta Coliseum
Meralco arrives brimming with confidence after flipping the script on Rain or Shine, overcoming a twice-to-beat handicap with two convincing wins highlighted by disciplined, methodical basketball. That formula, controlling tempo and squeezing opponents on defense, has long been the Bolts’ calling card, and it will be tested anew against TNT’s firepower.
The Bolts also carry a quiet psychological edge. They’ve beaten TNT in both of their previous semifinal encounters, though this marks their first playoff collision in the all-Filipino conference. Still, the Tropang 5G know how slim the margins are. Their 100-98 overtime escape over Meralco during the eliminations serves as a warning that this series could go the distance.
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| TNT's Jordan Heading. Photo: PBA Images. |
Adding spice is Jordan Heading, who’s coming off a scorching run against Magnolia. His confidence from beyond the arc, including the league’s new four-point territory, gives TNT a dangerous gear Meralco must contain early.
Barangay Ginebra vs. San Miguel Beer
Sunday, January 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Smart Araneta Coliseum
Ginebra enters the semis riding pure adrenaline. Stephen Holt’s cold-blooded buzzer-beater against Converge instantly became a playoff classic, lifting the Gin Kings past another twice-to-beat hurdle and sending the crowd into a frenzy.
But standing in their way is a San Miguel squad that has looked every bit championship-ready. The Beermen are on a 10-game tear, capped by a steady Christmas Day win over NLEX. Depth, balance, and June Mar Fajardo’s ever-reliable presence remain their biggest weapons.
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| San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo. Photo: PBA Images. |
Their recent history favors San Miguel, from an 83-81 elimination round win in Dubai to a grueling seven-game semifinal triumph last season. For Ginebra, the challenge is clear: match San Miguel’s depth despite a thinning bench and uncertain reinforcements.
One thing’s certain: the PBA’s 50th season isn’t easing into the new year. It’s exploding right out of the gate.