MANILA — In an intense matchup for the PBA Semifinals, the San Miguel Rain or Shine Semifinals game 2 concluded with a decisive victory for San Miguel.The San Miguel Beermen have solidified their lead in the PBA Semifinals, taking a 2-0 series advantage with a decisive 106-89 victory against the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters. The game unfolded on Sunday evening at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, showcasing a powerful display by San Miguel.
June Mar Fajardo was the standout player for the Beermen, delivering a stellar performance with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and pivotal plays that dictated the pace of the game. He was well-supported by CJ Perez and Terrence Romeo, who added 19 and 16 points, respectively. Their collective effort played a crucial role in San Miguel’s triumph and highlighted the team’s depth and strategic execution.
This win marks a notable improvement from the closely contested Game 1, with San Miguel’s head coach, Jorge Gallent, praising the team’s enhanced defensive efforts. “We just got better at getting back on defense. The players really buckled down well, and we were getting good shots, which allowed us to sprint back and shut down their fastbreak points, which was a major concern,” he explained during the post-game press conference.
Fajardo’s dominance in the third quarter was particularly crucial, as he managed to shift the game’s momentum significantly in favor of San Miguel. “My teammates were really looking for me, and the coach emphasized strengthening our offense,” Fajardo noted, shedding light on the tactical adjustments that were made.
The game remained competitive until midway through the third quarter when San Miguel began to pull away decisively. Fajardo, along with key plays from Perez and Romeo, quickly turned a four-point lead into a double-digit advantage, which fundamentally shifted the dynamics of the match.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, San Miguel continued to build on their lead, solidifying their victory and demonstrating their championship potential. Despite the success, Coach Gallent remained focused on the challenges ahead. “Two wins is just a start. We need four to advance. There’s nothing to celebrate yet,” he cautioned, underscoring the need for continued focus and strategic planning.
San Miguel is now poised to extend their lead further in Game 3, scheduled for May 22 at the Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite. This series not only reflects the high competitive spirit but also highlights San Miguel’s tactical depth and resilience as they push towards another finals appearance. As the San Miguel Rain or Shine Semifinals series progresses, fans eagerly await the next game to see if San Miguel can maintain their lead.
