As I settled in to watch Game 5 of the PBA finals between Magnolia and Meralco, I knew we were in for something special. The tension was palpable even through the screen, with both teams fighting for every possession like their championship hopes depended on it—because frankly, they did. What struck me immediately was how Jared Dillinger, captured so perfectly in that Reuben Terrado photo that's been circulating, became the unexpected catalyst in those final minutes. I've followed Dillinger's career for years, and there's something about his veteran presence that often goes unnoticed until moments like these.
The fourth quarter opened with Magnolia holding a narrow 72-70 lead, but what unfolded was nothing short of breathtaking. Meralco's defense tightened like a vice, forcing three consecutive turnovers that led to fast break opportunities. I particularly remember thinking how Dillinger's decision to take that contested three-pointer with 6:34 remaining was either going to be brilliant or disastrous—turns out it was brilliant. The ball swished through the net so cleanly you could almost hear the collective gasp from the arena. That shot gave Meralco their first lead since the second quarter at 75-74, and you could feel the momentum shift instantly.
What many casual viewers might miss is how much these final quarters come down to conditioning and mental fortitude. Both teams were clearly exhausted—you could see it in their body language during timeouts—but Meralco's bench depth really showed through in those critical minutes. When Dillinger connected with Cliff Hodge for that alley-oop with 3:12 left, putting Meralco up 84-79, I found myself standing up from my chair. That's the kind of play that breaks opponents psychologically, and honestly, I think that was the moment Magnolia's spirit started to fracture.
The numbers during that final stretch tell their own story—Meralco shot 58% from the field in the fourth quarter compared to Magnolia's 42%, and that efficiency difference ultimately decided the game. Dillinger finished with 16 points, but what the stat sheet doesn't show is how his leadership on the court directed traffic and settled nerves during Magnolia's attempted comeback. With 1:04 remaining and Meralco clinging to an 88-85 lead, it was Dillinger who intercepted that pass near midcourt that essentially sealed the victory. Some might argue it was a risky play, but I've always believed great defenders trust their instincts in those situations.
Looking back at that Reuben Terrado photo of Dillinger celebrating after the final buzzer, it perfectly captures the raw emotion of these playoff moments. The sweat, the exhaustion, the pure joy—this is what professional basketball is all about. While analysts will dissect strategies and statistics for days, what ultimately decided this game was heart. Meralco wanted it just a little more in those final minutes, and Dillinger embodied that determination. Games like this remind me why I've loved covering basketball for all these years—because when the pressure is highest, true character reveals itself on the court.