Watching Game 6 between Magnolia and San Miguel felt like witnessing a masterclass in high-stakes basketball—the kind of game where every possession carries the weight of a season. I’ve covered dozens of playoff clashes over the years, but this one had a unique intensity, especially with the way both teams executed in critical moments. From my seat, it was clear early on that this wasn’t just about talent; it was about composure under pressure, something that reminded me of the synergy you sometimes see between elite collegiate and professional athletes. In fact, that dynamic brought to mind the recent buzz around UAAP MVP frontrunners hoping to team up with PVL standouts—because, let’s be honest, when you see players like Paul Lee and June Mar Fajardo elevating their games, it’s no surprise that rising stars dream of sharing the court with them someday.
Magnolia came out swinging in the first quarter, building a 10-point lead by capitalizing on San Miguel’s uncharacteristically slow start. I’ve always admired how Coach Chito Victolero prepares his squad for these do-or-die situations—their defensive rotations were sharp, holding San Miguel to just 18 points in the opening period. But as any seasoned observer knows, San Miguel doesn’t stay down for long. By halftime, June Mar Fajardo had imposed his will in the paint, grabbing 12 rebounds and scoring 16 points, which helped trim Magnolia’s lead to a mere 3 points. What stood out to me, though, was the way Magnolia’s role players responded. Jio Jalalon, for instance, dished out 8 assists by the half—a testament to his growth as a floor general.
The third quarter shifted momentum dramatically, and here’s where I think San Miguel’s experience truly shone. They went on a 15-4 run over a span of just under five minutes, fueled by back-to-back three-pointers from Marcio Lassiter, who finished the game with 22 points. I’ll admit, I’ve criticized Lassiter’s consistency in the past, but in this game, he was nothing short of clutch. Meanwhile, Magnolia struggled to find easy baskets, partly because San Miguel’s defense tightened up, forcing 7 turnovers in that quarter alone. It’s moments like these that make me appreciate how strategic adjustments can turn the tide—something younger players, like those in the UAAP looking up to PVL MVPs, should take note of.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the tension was palpable. With about four minutes left, Paul Lee nailed a contested three to bring Magnolia within two, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Lee ended the night with 26 points, and in my view, he was the heart of Magnolia’s resilience. But San Miguel had an answer every time. CJ Perez, who’s had an outstanding conference, drove to the basket for a crucial and-one play with under a minute remaining, putting San Miguel up by 5. That sequence felt like the dagger, and it highlighted why Perez is often in the conversation for Best Player of the Conference honors. Final score: San Miguel 98, Magnolia 94. The series now heads to a winner-take-all Game 7, and if this game was any indication, we’re in for another classic.
Reflecting on the matchup, I can’t help but feel that games like this underscore why Philippine basketball continues to evolve. The level of execution, especially in clutch situations, mirrors the aspirations we see in younger leagues—where, as the saying goes, it’s a no-brainer for the reigning UAAP MVP to aspire to share the court one day with the reigning PVL MVP. Personally, I’m leaning toward San Miguel to take the title, given their veteran poise, but Magnolia has shown they won’t go down without a fight. Whatever happens in Game 7, one thing’s for sure: this series has given us plenty to talk about, and as a fan and analyst, I wouldn’t have it any other way.