As I settled into my analyst's chair for Game 3 of the SMB vs Meralco semifinal series, I could feel the electric tension even through the screen. Having covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've learned to recognize when a series is about to shift momentum, and this matchup had all the makings of a classic turning point. The series stood tied at 1-1, but what unfolded wasn't just another playoff game—it became a masterclass in how emotional catalysts can override statistical advantages.
The game started exactly as I'd predicted in my pre-game notes, with Meralco's methodical offense controlling the tempo through the first quarter. They built a solid 28-20 lead by capitalizing on SMB's defensive lapses, particularly in transition situations where they scored 12 fastbreak points. But what the numbers couldn't capture was the palpable shift in energy when SMB's key rotation player Kean Baclaan went down with what appeared to be a serious ankle injury midway through the second quarter. I've seen countless injuries throughout my career, but this one felt different—the way his teammates gathered around him created this unspoken understanding that the game's narrative was about to change dramatically.
What struck me most was how SMB's veterans responded after Baclaan was stretchered off. Chris Ross, who I've always considered the heart of this team, immediately gathered the players in a tight huddle. Watching from my studio, I could practically feel the determination radiating through the screen. When play resumed, SMB unleashed a 15-2 run that completely flipped the game's momentum. CJ Perez, who'd been relatively quiet in the first half, suddenly became unstoppable—attacking the rim with this ferocity I haven't seen from him since the 2022 Commissioner's Cup finals. He'd finish with 26 points, but more importantly, his defensive intensity sparked multiple transition opportunities.
The third quarter showcased why playoff experience matters more than regular season statistics. Meralco actually shot better from three-point range (38% compared to SMB's 32%), but they committed 18 turnovers that led to 24 points for SMB. I've always believed that turnover differential tells you more about a team's mental state than any advanced metric, and here it revealed Meralco's composure crumbling under SMB's relentless defensive pressure. What impressed me most was how SMB's bench, particularly the younger players, stepped up after Baclaan's injury. They played with this inspired energy that statistics can't quantify—diving for loose balls, taking charges, and celebrating every defensive stop like they'd won the championship.
The game's defining moment came with about three minutes left, when SMB executed a perfect defensive rotation that led to a fastbreak dunk from Mo Tautuaa. That play put SMB up by 9 points, and from my perspective, it broke Meralco's spirit completely. I've analyzed hundreds of crucial possessions throughout my career, and this one stood out because it exemplified how SMB had transformed their approach after their teammate's injury. As Chris Ross later reflected in the post-game interview, "When I was watching him (Kean) getting stretchered off the court, it was also like a motivation and a sign for us to step up." That quote perfectly captures what I witnessed—a team finding purpose beyond the scoreboard.
Looking back at the 98-91 final score, what stands out to me isn't the numbers but the emotional journey. SMB outrebounded Meralco 48-42 and scored 52 points in the paint, but those statistics feel almost secondary to the human drama that unfolded. The way this team rallied around their fallen teammate reminded me why I fell in love with analyzing basketball—sometimes the game transcends X's and O's and becomes about heart. This SMB vs Meralco showdown will likely be remembered as the moment SMB discovered their championship identity, and personally, I believe they'll carry this emotional momentum through the rest of the series.