Caption: Can SMB go on a commanding 3-1 series lead?

The mighty San Miguel Beermen appear to have taken control of the series, and they have the tools to keep doing what they do. Talk N’ Text will simply need to dig deep.

Catch this game live on Wednesday,  July 20, 2025 at 7:30 pm, Manila time.

San Miguel Beermen (2-1)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Juami Tiongson
  • Marcio Lassiter
  • CJ Perez
  • Rodney Brondial
  • June Mar Fajardo 

The much-talked about Game 1 loss rooted from a questionable basket interference is now a distant memory. The momentum has completely shifted towards the Beermen’s side after following it up with a pair of victories. Game 3 was even better than prior too as it was a one-sided 108-88 affair.

After being relatively quiet for the first two games, living legend June Mar Fajardo decided it was time to flex some muscles. He dominated TNT for 33 points and 11 rebounds on 12-for-15 shooting, casually imposing his will whenever he pleased. We’ll see if he and/or the SMB scheme keeps it up or goes for a more pick-your-spots type of attack again.

Veteran two-way point guard Chris Ross was the second scorer with 15 points, and, uncharacteristically, zero assists. CJ Perez, meanwhile, continued his shooting slump as he is now just 8-for-27 in his last two games. He will need to show up ASAP because otherwise, it may start causing issues for SMB. Then again, Game 2 hero Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Mo Tautuaa, and Marcio Lassiter, among others, are always there to pick up the slack.

TNT Tropang 5G (1-2)

Projected Starting Five:

  • Kim Aurin
  • Jordan Heading
  • Calvin Oftana
  • Kelly Williams
  • Brandon Ganuela-Rosser

TNT didn’t have any energy to keep up to the fierce SMB attack… again. They led 25-22 at the end of the First Quarter, but fell off from there. There’s still time, of course, though their grip is definitely loosening up at every turn.

The team shot a solid 13-for-31 from downtown in Game 3, but were a lukewarm 31-for-70 in total. Calvin Oftana, Roger Pogoy, Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser all had mediocre impact at best – BGR was particularly nonexistent as he was only 1-for-3 across 23 minutes of action. Kelly Williams was also clamped, missing seven of his 10 shots. 

What’s also frustrating is if they would’ve been a bit better, it may have been a competitive, 50-50 battle since Almond Vosotros and Glen Khobuntin were both decent off the bench.

Game 4 will be telling and expect TNT with a ton of energy. If it turns out to be a blowout again, though, it should be over in five.

PICKS

Spread: TNT (+6.5) 

Over/Under: Over