• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Manny Pangilinan, Talk n’ Text Tropang 5G franchise owner, told his team to hold their heads up despite falling short of completing their long-time PBA grand slam dream after a tough 4-2 finals series in favor of the San Miguel Beermen.
“It is sad, but not shameful. [Tonight] our heads are bowed in sorrow but not in shame,” Pangilinan said, who remains proud of his players’ performance.
The Beermen blocked the ambitious grand slam goal of Tropang 5G with a decisive 107-96 win as they claimed their 11th All-Filipino Cup title during the game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals on Friday at the Philippine Sports Arena.
After his low-scoring game 5 performance, CJ Perez led the Beermen to another ring with 24 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds in game 6, while the season MVP June Mar Fajardo recorded a double-double game with 24 points in a near-perfect 11/12 field goal and 12 rebounds.
The halftime ended with a close and intense 52-47 score before the Beermen struck a 24-8 run in the middle of the 3rd quarter, with a commanding effort of 9 points coming from Jericho Cruz, including back-to-back 3-pointers.
Cruz, who was known for his arrogant character inside the court, captured his first finals MVP title with an average of 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists in six games. Meanwhile, Beermen Head Coach Leo Austria grabbed his 10th title with the franchise.
The PBA Season 49 title paved the way for the San Miguel franchise, led by its current governor, Robert M. Non, to its 30th PBA title.
SMB ended their three-conference title drought after reclaiming the All-Filipino title before the league enters its 50th golden season.*
