Sister teams San Miguel Beerman and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel square off in Game 1 of this best-of-seven semifinals series. Will the Beermen strike first? Or, will Ginebra get that important 1-0 lead?
Catch this game live on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 7:30 pm, Manila time.
San Miguel Beermen (0-0)
Projected Starting Five:
- Chris Ross
- CJ Perez
- Don Trollano
- Rodney Brondial
- Junemar Fajardo
The Beermen flashed their might in the quarterfinal round, demolishing the No. 8 seed Meralco Bolts, 108-97, to book a spot in the semis. Unsurprisingly, San Miguel’s success in that contest was built upon the rock that is Junemar Fajardo. The Beermen’s behemoth toyed with the Bolts and finished with 23 points and 15 rebounds. He shot 6-for-11 from the field and drew 11 fouls, resulting in an 11-for-13 line from the charity stripe. Fajardo is going to get what he usually does.
Even against Ginebra’s considerable frontline, Fajardo can be expected to get his numbers. There’s a template already for him, as he muscled out 18 points on 8-for-13 shooting with 12 boards in the Beermen’s 104-93 win over Ginebra in the elimination round. But there’s also so much in San Miguel beyond Fajardo. San Miguel, which led all teams before the playoffs with 108.0 points per game, has plenty of other offensive threats and playmakers, including Don Trollano, CJ Perez, Juami Tiongson and Jericho Cruz, who can all stretch the floor for the eight-time PBA MVP.
Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (0-0)
Projected Starting Five:
- Scottie Thompson
- RJ Abarrientos
- Stephen Holt
- Troy Rosario
- Japeth Aguilar
Ginebra made quick work of the Converge FiberXers in the quarterfinals in an 88-80 victory. RJ Abarrientos led a balanced attack by the Barangay in that game, with 21 points off the bench. Meanwhile, four starters produced at least 10 points, with Japeth Aguilar coming away with 19 points and 13 boards. Aguilar’s double-double against Converge is a good sign for Ginebra going into the San Miguel series.
Although no one can truly silence Fajardo alone, Aguilar’s athleticism and mobility can be used by the Barangay to exploit the Beermen center’s defense. Abarrientos and Scottie Thompson know how to get their way into the lane and find Ginebra’s perimeter threats and big men, so that part of the Barangay’s offensive package should be front and center in this series. Ginebra also has solid wings in Stephen Holt and Jamie Malonzo, who can strike from anywhere on the floor and defend multiple positions.
Picks
Spread: San Miguel (-2.0)
Over/Under: Over (194.5)
