Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel Beer face off one last time tonight, July 9, in a highly anticipated Game 7 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals — with a Finals berth and the chance to derail TNT’s Grand Slam bid hanging in the balance.
The rubber match is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where two of the league’s most storied franchises will settle a heated best-of-seven series currently tied at three games apiece.
Ginebra, sparked by LA Tenorio’s dramatic game-winning triple in Game 6, will look to ride the momentum into the winner-take-all showdown. Tenorio, who returned this season after a battle with cancer, hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just seconds remaining in their 88-87 victory last Sunday — extending Ginebra’s season and energizing the crowd favorites.
“It was a moment we won’t forget,” said coach Tim Cone. “It gave us hope and belief, and that’s all we needed going into Game 7.”
Despite the euphoric win, Ginebra enters the decider dealing with multiple injury concerns. Japeth Aguilar battled cramps in Game 6, while Scottie Thompson continues to manage a lingering hamstring issue. Still, both veterans have contributed solidly, with Thompson averaging nearly 14 points and Aguilar posting over 13 a game in the series.
San Miguel, meanwhile, is banking on the heart and hustle of their franchise cornerstone, June Mar Fajardo. The six-time MVP has played through a nagging calf injury but remains a dominant force in the paint, averaging 14.5 rebounds per game. Fajardo poured in 21 points and 16 boards in Game 6, only to see the effort undone by Tenorio’s dagger.
With everything at stake, the Beermen will also lean heavily on their core of CJ Perez, Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano, Rodney Brondial, and Mo Tautuaa — a group that has delivered consistently throughout the playoffs. Coach Jorge Gallent’s squad is determined to bounce back and reclaim the edge they had earlier in the series.
Cone, ever the tactician, joked earlier this week about trying to lure Fajardo into early Gilas Pilipinas practice sessions to exhaust the big man before tonight’s game. “I was gonna make him do wind sprints,” Cone laughed, though San Miguel officials wisely excused Fajardo from any strenuous national team duties.
The winner of tonight’s clash will earn the right to challenge TNT Tropang Giga in the Finals — and try to prevent what could be only the sixth Grand Slam in PBA history.
With pride, legacy, and championship hopes all on the line, expect fireworks in what could be another classic in this celebrated rivalry.