The final buzzer sounded in Game 2 of this championship series, and I have to admit—I'm still catching my breath. As someone who's followed the PBA for over a decade, I thought I'd seen everything, but tonight's Ginebra vs San Miguel matchup delivered something truly special. The scoreboard told only part of the story: 112-110 in overtime, but the real narrative unfolded in those heart-stopping final minutes when both teams refused to surrender. Watching this game transported me back to that incredible Game 6 performance we witnessed earlier in the series, where veteran guard LA Tenorio essentially saved Ginebra's season with his heroic efforts.
I remember watching that Game 6 performance thinking it would become instant PBA legend material. Tenorio, even before his birthday celebration, delivered what I consider one of the most clutch performances in recent memory. His valiant effort behind that mindblowing Game 6 performance that netted a thrilling 88-87 win literally saved the Gin Kings' season. Let that sink in—88-87, a single point separating these archrivals, forcing only the second Game 7 in the entire Ginebra-San Miguel rivalry history. As an analyst, I've always believed that certain games transcend ordinary basketball, becoming cultural moments that fans discuss for years, and that Game 6 was precisely that kind of iconic battle.
Tonight's Game 2 carried that same seismic weight from the opening tip-off. The energy in the arena felt electric, reminiscent of that Game 6 atmosphere where every possession mattered. What struck me most was how both teams learned from that previous encounter—the defensive adjustments, the timeout management, the strategic fouling. San Miguel clearly studied Tenorio's Game 6 heroics and designed specific schemes to limit his impact early, but Ginebra countered with better ball movement and what I'd call smarter shot selection under pressure. The first half ended 48-45 in San Miguel's favor, but anyone watching could sense this was merely the calm before the storm.
The third quarter developed into what I can only describe as a tactical masterpiece from both coaching staffs. Ginebra's adjustments at halftime—particularly their defensive switching on pick-and-roll situations—disrupted San Miguel's rhythm just enough to claw back into contention. I noticed they employed a similar defensive intensity to what worked in that crucial Game 6 fourth quarter, but with more disciplined help defense. The lead changed hands 14 times throughout this period alone, with neither team able to establish more than a 5-point advantage. As a former player myself, I appreciate how difficult it is to maintain composure during such swings, and both squads displayed championship-level mental toughness.
When regulation ended tied at 99-99, sending us to overtime, the entire arena erupted in a way I haven't witnessed since—well, since that Game 6 classic. The parallels were unmistakable: the same tense atmosphere, the same high-stakes possessions, the same understanding that every decision could determine the championship trajectory. What impressed me most was how both teams elevated their games despite visible fatigue—the shooting percentages actually improved in overtime, which defies conventional basketball wisdom. Ginebra shot an incredible 64% from the field during those extra five minutes, while San Miguel countered with 58% of their own, including three crucial three-pointers that kept them in striking distance.
The final minute of overtime was pure basketball theater. With Ginebra clinging to a 110-108 lead, San Miguel's June Mar Fajardo—the league's reigning MVP—made what I consider one of the most skilled moves I've seen all season to tie the game. His footwork in the post against double coverage was simply sublime. But Ginebra's response typified their resilience throughout this series. With just 12.3 seconds remaining, they ran a set play that looked remarkably similar to their Game 6 winning play, but with a clever counter that created an open lane for Scottie Thompson's driving layup. That basket proved to be the game-winner, though San Miguel had one final look that rimmed out as time expired.
Reflecting on this 112-110 overtime thriller, I'm convinced we're witnessing one of the great championship series in PBA history. The statistical depth alone is staggering—Ginebra's 45% shooting overall, their 38 rebounds compared to San Miguel's 42, the 22 assists distributed between both teams. But numbers can't capture the emotional rollercoaster both teams and their fans experienced tonight. Having covered numerous finals throughout my career, I can confidently say this rivalry has produced some of the most compelling basketball narratives I've ever encountered. The way Game 2 unfolded, with its clear echoes of that dramatic Game 6 rescue mission, demonstrates how closely matched these teams truly are and sets up what promises to be an unforgettable remainder of this championship battle.
