Full Breakdown
San Miguel Beermen Take 3-2 Lead in PBA Philippine Cup Finals
1/31/2026, 1:21:47 PM
Game 5 Highlights: San Miguel's Depth Shines
In Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, the San Miguel Beermen showcased their depth and resilience, defeating the TNT Tropang 5G 96-82 at Ynares Sports Center. This victory places the Beermen one win away from clinching the championship, leading the best-of-seven series 3-2. Veteran guard Chris Ross emphasized the team's depth, stating, “We’re a deep team. Everybody stays ready,” highlighting the contributions from various players despite injuries to key figures like himself and June Mar Fajardo.
Key Contributions from Role Players
Kris Rosales emerged as a pivotal player off the bench, scoring 12 points and providing four assists. His performance was crucial in helping the Beermen recover from an early 14-2 deficit. Rosales noted his acceptance of the role to spark energy when needed, stating, “I’ve been telling myself that if that’s my role on this team, then I’ll accept it and be ready no matter what.” Rodney Brondial also played a significant role, contributing 17 points and 15 rebounds, particularly in the absence of Fajardo during critical moments.
TNT's Struggles and Response
The Tropang 5G started strong but faltered in the second half, allowing the Beermen to capitalize on their mistakes. Poy Erram, a center for TNT, expressed disappointment over the team's collapse after leading by 16 points. He remarked, “It was really, really bad,” reflecting on the team's loss of composure, which included a technical foul he received for an altercation with Brondial. Erram acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We’ll try to make up for it, review what needs to be improved tomorrow in practice.”
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Chris Ross praised his teammates for stepping up in challenging circumstances, attributing the win to the collective effort of the team. He stated, “I’ve got faith in everyone, from the first player all the way to the 15th.” Meanwhile, Erram's comments indicated a need for TNT to regroup and refocus ahead of Game 6, emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive body language and composure.
What's Next: Game 6 Outlook
The Beermen will aim to clinch the championship in Game 6, scheduled for Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Conversely, the Tropang 5G must regroup quickly to avoid another defeat and extend the series. Both teams are aware of the stakes, with San Miguel looking to celebrate another title and TNT striving to keep their championship hopes alive.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re a deep team. Everybody stays ready,” — Chris Ross, Guard, San Miguel Beermen
- “That’s been my job this entire conference, and since I’ve been at San Miguel,” — Kris Rosales, Guard, San Miguel Beermen
- “It was really, really bad,” — Poy Erram, Center, TNT Tropang 5G
- “The team’s body language on the bench was also bad.” — Poy Erram, Center, TNT Tropang 5G
This game underscored the Beermen's depth and resilience, setting the stage for a decisive Game 6 in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
