In a thrilling Game Six showdown, San Miguel emerged victorious over Magnolia to claim the coveted title of the 48th PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The game, held on Valentine’s Day at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, will go down in history as one to remember for the Beermen, who secured their 29th championship in dramatic fashion.
Led by CJ Perez and Jericho Cruz, San Miguel orchestrated a remarkable comeback, rallying from a significant deficit to secure a 104-102 victory over Magnolia. Perez and Cruz played pivotal roles in sparking a crucial run that saw San Miguel erase a 67-54 third-quarter deficit, followed by a 90-79 fourth-quarter gap, shifting the momentum in their favor.
The tension peaked in the final minutes of the game, with Chris Ross sinking a clutch three-pointer with 1:23 left in the fourth quarter to give San Miguel the lead, 100-99. The Beermen maintained their momentum, with Perez extending their lead with another three-pointer, increasing the gap to four points with just under a minute remaining.
Despite a valiant effort from Magnolia, San Miguel held onto their lead until the final buzzer, sealing the championship series with a 4-2 victory.
For Magnolia, it was a disappointing defeat, extending their title drought as they continue to chase their first championship since the 2018 Governors’ Cup.
As Game Six concluded with Aris Dionisio’s missed three-point attempt from halfcourt, San Miguel celebrated their hard-fought victory, etching their name once again in the annals of PBA history.
