SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
History Vs. Revenge As Beermen, TNT Renew Title Showdown
Photo credit: PBA
One side wants the same ending. The other is determined to flip the script.
That’s the storyline as San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang Giga collide once more, opening their much-anticipated PBA Philippine Cup Finals rematch on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. It’s the first skirmish in what could turn into a long, grinding war — just like their last title showdown that stretched to six games.
It’s a race to four wins, and while Game 1 won’t decide the championship, both teams know it can set the tone. A series opener win means momentum, confidence, and a possible springboard to something bigger down the road.
Opening tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with the San Miguel Beermen eager to strike first as they begin their bid to defend the Philippine Cup crown and further cement their reputation as the league’s most dominant all-Filipino squad.
Standing in their way are Calvin Oftana and the rest of the TNT Tropang Giga, coming in fueled by unfinished business — and a hunger for revenge.
With another collision course against San Miguel in mind, TNT coach Chot Reyes admitted the team made deliberate moves to better prepare for the towering challenge posed by June Mar Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen.
“If you go into any tournament, you take a look at who’s the big guy on the block,” Reyes said during the pre-finals press conference at Novotel in Cubao, presented by Arena Plus. “No secret that San Miguel has dominated this tournament. So if you want to be able to compete with them, then you better have the resources, and that’s what guided our build-up.”
Now back on the finals stage, the Tropa are grateful for another crack at the team that denied them the Season 49 Philippine Cup title. This time, they plan to make it count.
If TNT manages to strike back, they would reclaim the Philippine Cup crown they last won in 2021, when they dethroned Magnolia.
“Obviously, the fact na mas kumpleto kami ngayon, though not one hundred percent complete, gives us a better chance, but it’s no guarantee of success,” Reyes said. “I think we have a better chance and, in the end, that’s all we want.”
Helping TNT’s cause are the returns of Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram, who were sidelined by injuries in the previous finals. They’re also bolstered by new acquisitions Jio Jalalon, Tyrus Hills, and Kevin Ferrer, adding firepower to a core that includes Kelly Williams, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kim Aurin, Glenn Khobuntin, and Henry Galinato.
Still, Reyes knows chemistry and familiarity cut both ways.
“We’re familiar with each other but so are they (the Beermen). They’ve been together for a longer time. In that regard, I don’t think we have an advantage,” he said.
On the other bench, San Miguel coach Leo Austria counters with a championship-tested lineup built around “The Kraken” June Mar Fajardo, backed by a deep and battle-hardened cast that includes CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz, Moala Tautuaa, Juami Tiongson, Rodney Brondial, and Jeron Teng.
Same rivals. Same stakes. Different intentions.
As the finals rematch tips off, only one question remains: will history repeat itself, or is a new ending about to be written?
That’s the storyline as San Miguel Beer and TNT Tropang Giga collide once more, opening their much-anticipated PBA Philippine Cup Finals rematch on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo. It’s the first skirmish in what could turn into a long, grinding war — just like their last title showdown that stretched to six games.
It’s a race to four wins, and while Game 1 won’t decide the championship, both teams know it can set the tone. A series opener win means momentum, confidence, and a possible springboard to something bigger down the road.
Opening tip-off is set at 7:30 p.m., with the San Miguel Beermen eager to strike first as they begin their bid to defend the Philippine Cup crown and further cement their reputation as the league’s most dominant all-Filipino squad.
Standing in their way are Calvin Oftana and the rest of the TNT Tropang Giga, coming in fueled by unfinished business — and a hunger for revenge.
With another collision course against San Miguel in mind, TNT coach Chot Reyes admitted the team made deliberate moves to better prepare for the towering challenge posed by June Mar Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen.
“If you go into any tournament, you take a look at who’s the big guy on the block,” Reyes said during the pre-finals press conference at Novotel in Cubao, presented by Arena Plus. “No secret that San Miguel has dominated this tournament. So if you want to be able to compete with them, then you better have the resources, and that’s what guided our build-up.”
Now back on the finals stage, the Tropa are grateful for another crack at the team that denied them the Season 49 Philippine Cup title. This time, they plan to make it count.
If TNT manages to strike back, they would reclaim the Philippine Cup crown they last won in 2021, when they dethroned Magnolia.
“Obviously, the fact na mas kumpleto kami ngayon, though not one hundred percent complete, gives us a better chance, but it’s no guarantee of success,” Reyes said. “I think we have a better chance and, in the end, that’s all we want.”
Helping TNT’s cause are the returns of Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram, who were sidelined by injuries in the previous finals. They’re also bolstered by new acquisitions Jio Jalalon, Tyrus Hills, and Kevin Ferrer, adding firepower to a core that includes Kelly Williams, RR Pogoy, Jordan Heading, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Kim Aurin, Glenn Khobuntin, and Henry Galinato.
Still, Reyes knows chemistry and familiarity cut both ways.
“We’re familiar with each other but so are they (the Beermen). They’ve been together for a longer time. In that regard, I don’t think we have an advantage,” he said.
On the other bench, San Miguel coach Leo Austria counters with a championship-tested lineup built around “The Kraken” June Mar Fajardo, backed by a deep and battle-hardened cast that includes CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, Jericho Cruz, Moala Tautuaa, Juami Tiongson, Rodney Brondial, and Jeron Teng.
Same rivals. Same stakes. Different intentions.
As the finals rematch tips off, only one question remains: will history repeat itself, or is a new ending about to be written?
Jan 20, 2026
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