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As I settled into my usual courtside seat for the San Miguel vs Ginebra matchup last Tuesday, I couldn't help but reflect on how this particular rivalry always reminds me of Ateneo's current situation in college basketball. Both programs share that championship DNA - that undeniable need to restore lost luster and remind everyone why they've been the winningest programs in their respective leagues this millennium. The final score of 98-95 in favor of San Miguel doesn't even begin to tell the full story of what unfolded on that court.
What struck me immediately was how both teams approached the game with completely different offensive philosophies. San Miguel came out firing from beyond the arc, attempting 32 three-pointers and converting 14 of them - that's 43.75% for those keeping track. Meanwhile, Ginebra focused on pounding the paint, scoring 52 of their points in the key area. Watching June Mar Fajardo work in the post brought back memories of how Ateneo used to dominate inside during their championship runs. There's something fundamentally sound about establishing that interior presence that seems to have been lost in today's game. Personally, I've always believed that championship teams need both - the outside shooting to stretch defenses and the interior dominance to close out games.
The third quarter turnaround was where San Miguel truly won this game. They were down by 8 at halftime but came out with a 15-2 run in the first four minutes of the second half. What impressed me most was their defensive adjustment - they switched to a 2-3 zone that completely disrupted Ginebra's rhythm. I've seen this exact scenario play out countless times in UAAP games, where one strategic adjustment completely changes the momentum. Christian Standhardinger's performance during this stretch was particularly noteworthy - he scored 9 points during that run and grabbed 4 rebounds. Statistics show that when Standhardinger scores more than 20 points, San Miguel wins 85% of their games, and tonight's 24-point performance certainly proved that trend continues.
What many casual fans might miss is how the bench contributions made the difference in this game. San Miguel's second unit outscored Ginebra's 35-22, with Moala Tautuaa providing that spark with 12 points in just 18 minutes of play. I've always maintained that championship depth separates good teams from great ones. Remember how Ateneo used to have that luxury during their dominant years? They could run fresh bodies at opponents in waves, and that's exactly what we saw from San Miguel tonight. Their ability to maintain intensity while giving their starters crucial rest minutes proved decisive in the final quarter.
The individual matchup between Scottie Thompson and CJ Perez lived up to its billing, though not in the way most analysts predicted. Rather than an offensive showcase, we witnessed defensive mastery from both players. Perez finished with 22 points but needed 18 shots to get there, while Thompson's all-around game of 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists nearly produced a triple-double. What fascinated me was how both players adjusted their games - Perez becoming more selective with his shots in the fourth quarter, Thompson focusing on playmaking when his shot wasn't falling. This kind of in-game adaptation is what separates elite players from merely good ones.
As the game entered its final minutes, you could feel the championship experience of both teams shining through. The execution down the stretch was nearly flawless - San Miguel scored on 7 of their last 8 possessions, while Ginebra answered on 5 of their last 7. The composure both teams showed under pressure reminded me of what made Ateneo so successful during their championship years. There's a certain poise that comes from knowing how to win, and both these squads have it in abundance. That final defensive stop by San Miguel, where they forced a contested three-pointer instead of allowing a drive to the basket, showed their understanding of game situations that only comes from experience.
Looking at the bigger picture, this game demonstrated why both franchises remain at the top of the PBA hierarchy. They've managed to maintain their winning cultures while adapting to the modern game. San Miguel's embrace of the three-point shot while maintaining their traditional inside presence shows evolutionary thinking, much like what successful college programs need to do today. The 18,345 fans in attendance witnessed not just another chapter in this storied rivalry, but a masterclass in how championship-level basketball should be played. As I left the arena, I couldn't help but think that other teams, including struggling college programs, could learn plenty from studying how these two giants approach the game.