A Christmas Day showdown at the Araneta Coliseum witnessed an explosive performance by San Miguel Beer (SMB), led by the fiery duo of Don Trollano and June Mar Fajardo. This top-seeded team secured their spot in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals with a thrilling 101-94 victory over NLEX.
The Road Warriors started strong, dominating the first half and leading by 6 points at the break. However, the Beermen roared back in the third quarter, thanks to Trollano's scorching hot shooting. He went from scoreless in the first half to dropping 15 points in the third, including three triples that ignited the crowd and helped SMB take a 7-point lead heading into the final quarter.
But here's where it gets controversial... Fajardo, the league's reigning MVP, took over in the fourth. He scored 10 crucial points in the final frame, showcasing his dominance in the paint and sealing the deal for SMB. With 26 points and 23 rebounds, he was the catalyst that propelled the Beermen into the Finals Four.
NLEX's All-Filipino campaign ended on a sour note, losing their last four games. Despite Bolick's impressive performance, finishing with a game-high 31 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, it wasn't enough to overcome Fajardo and the mighty SMB.
And this is the part most people miss... Fajardo wasn't alone in his heroics. He received ample support from his teammates, with Jericho Cruz chipping in 18 points, Trollano adding 17, and CJ Perez contributing 14. This balanced scoring attack showcased the depth and talent of the defending champions.
As we reflect on this exciting match, one question lingers: Was SMB's victory a testament to their dominance, or did NLEX's struggles play a significant role? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's spark a discussion on this controversial topic!
