Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 4) — The San Miguel Beermen are back as the kings of the PBA Philippine Cup.
The Beermen defeated the TNT Tropang Giga in Game 7 of the finals, 119-97, to capture their 10th All-Filipino conference title Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
CJ Perez paced San Miguel with 25 points, seven assists, and four rebounds.
Unlike his lackluster performance in Game 6, Mikey Williams went on a tear as he dropped 17 points to give the Tropang Giga a 31-29 lead at the end of the high-scoring first quarter.
TNT played without head coach Chot Reyes, who was placed under health and safety protocols prior to the match.
The undermanned Tropang Giga was dealt a huge blow when Poy Erram was ejected after elbowing a driving Mo Tautuaa to the head with 55 seconds remaining in the second period.
When TNT couldn’t sustain the momentum from its hot start, the Beermen unleashed a 37-point outburst to pull away and establish a 66-55 edge going into the halftime break.
But Jayson Castro spearheaded a big turnaround by the Tropang Giga, as he outscored San Miguel, 19-18, to retake the lead at the end of the third frame.
A 17-0 blitz however was all San Miguel needed to secure the victory, as TNT suddenly went cold during the crucial stretch of the do-or-die contest.
Reigning Best Player of the Conference June Mar Fajardo chipped in 19 points and 18 rebounds for the Beermen. He was hailed the Finals Most Valuable Player, his fourth award in his decorated career.
With the win, San Miguel head coach Leo Austria tied Baby Dalupan and Reyes with the most Philippine Cup championships at six apiece.
Castro and Williams showed the way for the Tropang Giga with 32 points and 22 points, respectively.
