PBA Finals Analysis: Meralco vs San Miguel Game Highlights and Key Matchups

2025-11-17 12:00

As I settled into my courtside seat for Game 3 of the PBA Finals between Meralco and San Miguel, I couldn't help but recall coach Jorge Gallent's recent comments about maintaining focus throughout the season. The atmosphere at the Mall of Asia Arena was electric, with over 12,000 fans creating that distinctive Philippine basketball energy that makes these finals matchups so special. Having covered the PBA for fifteen years now, I've witnessed how championship series often hinge on which team can maintain their competitive edge when fatigue sets in during these best-of-seven battles.

What struck me immediately in the first quarter was how Meralco seemed to embody that very mindset coach Gallent emphasized. They came out with incredible defensive intensity, holding San Miguel to just 18 points in the opening period while forcing six turnovers. Chris Newsome was absolutely sensational, scoring 14 of his game-high 28 points in the first half while completely disrupting San Miguel's offensive rhythm. I've followed Newsome's career since his Ateneo days, and what impressed me most wasn't just his scoring but his defensive leadership - he was constantly directing traffic, switching assignments, and providing the kind of vocal presence that championship teams need.

The battle in the paint between June Mar Fajardo and Brandon Bates developed into one of the most fascinating matchups I've seen this season. Fajardo, the six-time MVP, finished with his typical double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds, but what the stat sheet doesn't show is how much energy Bates made him expend. The young Australian center, who I've been critical of in past seasons for his offensive limitations, has developed into a defensive anchor for Meralco. He contested every Fajardo post-up, fought for positioning on every rebound, and honestly surprised me with his improved footwork against San Miguel's pick-and-roll actions.

Midway through the third quarter, with Meralco leading by 13 points, we witnessed the championship DNA of San Miguel begin to surface. CJ Perez, who I believe is the most underrated two-way player in the league, sparked a 16-4 run with his relentless attacks to the basket. His stat line of 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists doesn't fully capture his impact during that crucial stretch. What many casual fans might not notice is how Perez's defensive pressure on Meralco's ball handlers disrupted their offensive sets, leading to transition opportunities that completely shifted the game's momentum.

The fourth quarter turned into the Chris Ross show, and as someone who's watched his entire PBA career unfold, I have to say this was one of his most clutch performances. The veteran guard scored 11 points in the final period, including three crucial three-pointers that ultimately sealed the game for San Miguel. His experience in these high-pressure situations was evident - he never rushed his shots, maintained perfect defensive positioning, and provided the steady leadership that championship teams rely on. Ross finished with 17 points, 4 steals, and what I'd estimate as at least five deflections that don't show up in traditional stats but completely disrupted Meralco's offensive flow.

What fascinated me most about this game was how it reflected the very concerns coach Gallent had voiced about maintaining consistency. Meralco dominated for stretches, looking every bit like championship contenders, but then had lapses in concentration that allowed San Miguel back into the game. The final statistics showed San Miguel shooting 45% from the field compared to Meralco's 41%, but the real story was in the turnover battle - San Miguel committed only 12 turnovers while forcing 18 from Meralco. In my analysis, those extra possessions proved decisive in a game that featured 14 lead changes and 8 ties.

As the final buzzer sounded with San Miguel securing the 98-91 victory, I found myself thinking about the broader implications for the series. Having covered numerous PBA finals, I've learned that championship series often turn on these small moments of execution under pressure. San Miguel now leads 2-1, but what concerns me about Meralco is their inconsistent bench production - their reserves contributed only 18 points compared to San Miguel's 32. If Meralco hopes to level the series, they'll need more from players like Allein Maliksi and Cliff Hodge, who combined for just 14 points on 5-of-16 shooting.

Looking ahead to Game 4, the key matchup I'll be watching is how Meralco adjusts their defensive scheme against June Mar Fajardo. They doubled him aggressively in the post throughout Game 3, but San Miguel's shooters made them pay by connecting on 12 three-pointers at a 36% clip. In my professional opinion, Meralco might need to consider single coverage on Fajardo while tightening their perimeter defense, even if it means the big man gets his points. Sometimes in playoff basketball, you have to pick your poison, and I believe the three-point shooting presents the greater threat in this particular series dynamic.

This series has already provided enough drama and compelling basketball to satisfy any true fan of the game, and I have a feeling we're in for at least six games, if not the full seven. The way these teams match up, with their contrasting styles and tremendous individual talents, creates the kind of basketball theater that reminds me why I fell in love with covering this league. Both teams have shown championship qualities, but the team that best maintains that consistent focus coach Gallent emphasized will likely be hoisting the trophy when this classic series concludes.