As I settled into my usual spot to watch Game 2 of this historic PBA Governors' Cup Finals between Ginebra and San Miguel, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey that brought us here. Just days earlier, we witnessed what I'd confidently call one of the most remarkable individual performances in recent basketball memory - LA Tenorio's legendary Game 6 heroics that literally saved Ginebra's season. That 88-87 victory wasn't just a win; it was a resurrection, forcing only the second Game 7 in the storied Ginebra-San Miguel rivalry. The energy in the arena tonight felt different because of that context - you could sense both teams understood they were participating in something truly special.
The opening quarter unfolded with the intensity we've come to expect from these Manila Clasico matchups. San Miguel came out looking determined to erase the memory of their Game 6 collapse, with June Mar Fajardo establishing his presence early, scoring 8 points in just the first six minutes. But what impressed me most was Ginebra's resilience - they absorbed that initial punch and responded with characteristic composure. Justin Brownlee, who finished with 28 points in their previous encounter, started more deliberately tonight, focusing on playmaking rather than forcing his own offense. This strategic patience would prove crucial as the game progressed. Christian Standhardinger, who's been absolutely phenomenal throughout this series, continued his strong interior play, grabbing 4 rebounds in the first quarter alone while converting two difficult post moves against Fajardo's defense.
As the second quarter developed, the game settled into that familiar back-and-forth rhythm that defines this rivalry. The lead changed hands seven times during this period alone, with neither team able to establish more than a five-point advantage. What stood out to me was the tactical adjustment from Coach Tim Cone - he deployed a smaller lineup that forced San Miguel to defend in space, creating driving lanes for Scottie Thompson who took full advantage. Thompson's stat line of 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists by halftime doesn't fully capture his impact - his energy on both ends genuinely shifted the game's momentum whenever Ginebra needed a spark. On the other side, CJ Perez was equally spectacular, matching Thompson's intensity with his explosive drives to the basket. I've watched Perez develop over the years, and what impresses me most is his improved decision-making under pressure - his 18 points through two quarters came efficiently, without forcing bad shots.
The third quarter presented what I consider the turning point of the game. San Miguel opened with a 10-2 run, largely fueled by Marcio Lassiter's hot shooting from beyond the arc - he hit three consecutive three-pointers during this stretch, forcing a timeout from Coach Cone. This is where championship experience matters, and Ginebra demonstrated why they've been so successful in crucial moments. Instead of panicking, they methodically worked their way back, with Tenorio once again providing those intangible leadership qualities that statistics can't fully capture. His deflection and steal leading to a fastbreak layup cut the deficit to just two points midway through the quarter. Having watched countless Ginebra games over the years, I've come to appreciate these momentum swings - they rarely get rattled, instead trusting their system and veterans to steady the ship.
What followed in the fourth quarter was pure basketball theater. With about five minutes remaining and San Miguel clinging to a three-point lead, we witnessed a sequence that will undoubtedly be replayed for years to come. Brownlee, who had been relatively quiet by his standards, erupted for 11 points in the final four minutes, including back-to-back three-pointers that sent the Ginebra crowd into absolute frenzy. The second of those threes came from what I'd estimate was 28 feet - a truly audacious shot that only players of Brownlee's caliber even attempt in such situations. Meanwhile, Fajardo continued his dominant interior performance, finishing the game with what I'd project to be around 24 points and 14 rebounds based on the pace of the game, though official stats will confirm the exact numbers. The final two minutes featured three lead changes, with the outcome uncertain until the very last possession.
When the final buzzer sounded, securing Ginebra's 95-93 victory, I found myself reflecting on what separates these championship teams from the rest. It's not just talent - both rosters are loaded with exceptional players. It's the mental toughness, the composure during critical moments, and the willingness of role players to step up when needed. Japeth Aguilar's defensive presence in the closing minutes, particularly his crucial block on Perez's driving layup attempt with under thirty seconds remaining, exemplified this championship DNA. Having covered this rivalry for over a decade, I can confidently say that tonight's game ranks among the most compelling chapters in its rich history. The series now shifts to Game 3 with Ginebra holding momentum, but if we've learned anything from these two teams, it's that San Miguel will undoubtedly respond. The beauty of this rivalry is that neither team ever stays down for long, setting up what promises to be another classic in what's becoming an unforgettable series.
