San Miguel Ends TNT’s Grand Slam Dream, Clinches 30th PBA Title with Game 6 Mastery
San Miguel Beermen once again denied TNT’s Grand Slam aspirations, securing the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup championship with a dominant 107-96 win in Game 6 on Friday, July 23, at the PhilSports Arena.
With the victory, the Beermen wrapped up the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and cemented their place in history with their record-extending 30th PBA championship — their 11th All-Filipino title and a resounding redemption from last season’s finals loss to Meralco.
San Miguel’s Big Guns Deliver
CJ Perez, June Mar Fajardo, and Jericho Cruz led the charge for the Beermen, taking turns in torching the Tropang 5G, who were fighting to become just the fifth team in PBA history to achieve a Grand Slam.
- Perez, who struggled in Game 5, came back with a vengeance — tallying 24 points, six assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
- Fajardo was nearly unstoppable inside, finishing with 24 points on 11-of-12 shooting, 12 rebounds, and three assists.
- Cruz, later named Finals MVP, provided the knockout punch in the third quarter with 13 points, six assists, four boards, and one steal — including 9 crucial points during a 24-8 run that ballooned San Miguel’s lead from 56-52 to 80-60.
History Repeats Itself
Just like in 2011, when San Miguel — then playing under the Petron Blaze Boosters banner — spoiled TNT’s Grand Slam bid in the Governors’ Cup, the Beermen once again played spoiler to their long-time rivals’ historic pursuit.
Dominant Stats Tell the Story
San Miguel flexed its dominance in every facet of the game:
- Shooting: SMB hit 57.1% from the field, including 42.1% from three; TNT shot 48.1% overall and 39.4% from deep.
- Rebounding: The Beermen destroyed TNT on the glass, 48-25, including a 17-8 edge on offensive boards.
- Despite committing 20 turnovers, SMB’s pressure defense kept TNT from capitalizing, limiting them to just 15 points off turnovers.
TNT’s Final Stand
Calvin Oftana led the Tropang 5G with 19 points, four rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while Kelly Williams added 17 points, four rebounds, and two steals.
Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Jordan Heading, RR Pogoy, and Almond Vosotros also reached double figures, showing the team’s depth and heart.
However, fatigue and injuries finally caught up to the Grand Slam hopefuls. Missing key interior pieces and over-relying on perimeter production, TNT couldn’t keep pace with San Miguel’s relentless attack.
WATCH: San Miguel vs. TNT (Game 6 – July 25, 2025) Game Highlights
Back on Top
Head coach Leo Austria won his 10th PBA title, steering the core of Fajardo, Chris Ross, and Marcio Lassiter — remnants of the “Death Five” dynasty — to yet another championship.
Don Trollano added 12 points, while Mo Tautuaa chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and two blocks, helping SMB maintain a balanced attack.
TNT may have fallen short of making history, but their run was nothing short of heroic — battling through adversity, injuries, and fatigue to reach the finals. Though they couldn’t hoist the trophy, they walked off the floor with their heads high and the respect of an entire league.
Meanwhile, San Miguel reminded everyone why they’re the PBA’s gold standard — a team built on tradition, talent, and championship pedigree.
Game 6 belonged to the Beermen. The title? It’s back where it’s always belonged — with San Miguel.
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