There’s no time for regrets in the PBA — and San Miguel Beer knows that better than anyone.
After suffering an 85–84 heartbreaker at the hands of NLEX in their season opener, the Beermen are looking to make a quick recovery when they return to the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday night to face the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m.
San Miguel, the defending Philippine Cup champion, had the game within reach last Wednesday, only to watch it slip away in the final seconds after a costly errant pass by Don Trollano.
“Hero na sana. Naging sleepless night pa tuloy,” admitted Trollano, who owned up to the mistake but vowed to bounce back. “We learn from our mistakes. I learn from my mistakes. Next time, hindi na siguro mangyayari.”
That turnover handed NLEX its first victory over San Miguel in five years — a stat that stung even more, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III. But for the Beermen, adversity has always been a familiar teacher.
Expect June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez to lead the charge as San Miguel seeks to reassert its dominance early in Season 50, with Trollano eager for redemption.
Phoenix, meanwhile, faces its own recovery mission after a disappointing debut under new head coach Willy Wilson. The Fuel Masters fought neck-and-neck with TNT Tropang 5G in the first half Friday but fizzled in the next two quarters, scoring just 36 points the rest of the way in a 93–78 loss.
Tyler Tio, Jason Perkins, Kai Ballungay, and Ken Tuffin each scored in double figures, keeping Phoenix competitive early before the offense collapsed down the stretch.
For both teams, Sunday night’s clash isn’t just about winning — it’s about finding rhythm, regaining confidence, and setting the tone for the long grind ahead.
A bounce-back win would mean everything — and both the Beermen and Fuel Masters are desperate to get theirs first.