PBA Analysis: San Miguel found the Meralco antidote?

 


The San Miguel Beermen pulled off a crucial win against Meralco in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, tying the series at 2-2. While the return of Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel grabbed some headlines, the true story of the game lies in San Miguel's exceptional free-throw shooting.

San Miguel capitalized on their opportunities at the charity stripe, converting 30 out of 38 attempts for a stellar 78.9% success rate. This stands in stark contrast to Meralco's free-throw shooting, which fell short at 68.2%.  These extra points proved decisive in a close game, ultimately tipping the scales in San Miguel's favor.

While the return of Romeo and Manuel added depth to the San Miguel lineup, their impact extended beyond simply playing time.  Coach Jorge Gallent emphasized that both players delivered key contributions despite limited minutes.  Manuel provided a spark off the bench with 8 points in just 7 minutes, while Romeo chipped in with 7 points, a three-pointer, and valuable hustle plays.

Junemar Fajardo, the reigning PBA Best Player of the Conference, remained a dominant force for San Miguel.  He bounced back from a quiet Game 3 performance by dropping a season-high 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.  His reliable scoring and rebounding anchored San Miguel's offense throughout the game.

With the series tied at 2-2, the pressure is on for both teams.  San Miguel's impressive free-throw shooting and the return of key players have provided a much-needed boost.  However, Meralco's fighting spirit and Chris Newsome's explosive scoring cannot be ignored.  The upcoming games promise to be an intense battle, essentially a best-of-three series where every possession will be crucial.

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