PBA Philippine Cup 2025 Quarterfinals Preview: San Miguel Seeks Payback, TNT Clings to Grand Slam Dream
The 2025 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals are officially set, and two highly anticipated matchups are about to dominate headlines: a finals rematch between San Miguel and Meralco, and a high-stakes showdown between Magnolia and TNT, the team still chasing grand slam glory.
Let’s dive into what lies ahead for these four proud franchises.
🔥 #1 San Miguel Beermen vs. #8 Meralco Bolts
Format: San Miguel has twice-to-beat advantage
It’s a rematch of the 2024 Philippine Cup Finals, but with the tables turned. Last year, Meralco shocked the PBA world by dethroning San Miguel and capturing their first-ever championship. Now, San Miguel is gunning for revenge—and they’re doing it from a position of strength.
The Beermen dominated the eliminations and enter the playoffs with an 8-3 record and the No. 1 seed. Junemar Fajardo is playing like a man on a mission again, CJ Perez is in peak form, and Don Trollano’s shooting has made San Miguel’s offense even more potent.
On the other hand, Meralco may be running on fumes. The Bolts are fresh off a grueling campaign in the Basketball Champions League Asia, and while the international experience was valuable, fatigue could be a factor. Depth is a concern, and San Miguel is a team that punishes short rotations and slow legs.
Unless Chris Newsome delivers a masterclass and Meralco’s defense somehow bottles up Fajardo, it’s hard to see the Bolts winning two straight games against this reloaded Beermen crew.
✅ Prediction: San Miguel advances
⚔️ #3 Magnolia Hotshots vs. #6 TNT Tropang Giga
Format: Magnolia has twice-to-beat advantage
This series might be the biggest storyline of the quarterfinals. TNT is chasing history—hoping to become only the second team in PBA history to complete a grand slam since Tim Cone’s San Mig Coffee did it in 2014. But Magnolia stands in the way, and they are not in the business of handing out legacy achievements.
The Hotshots have had their stumbles late in the eliminations, but they still possess arguably the deepest rotation in the league. With Ian Sangalang in the paint, Mark Barroca and Paul Lee in the backcourt, and now William Navarro bringing fresh energy and athleticism, Magnolia can defend, run, and grind.
However, TNT is loaded with urgency and talent. Even without the injured Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac, the addition of Jordan Heading bolsters a backcourt already armed with Calvin Oftana, Brian Heruela, and Dave Marcelo anchoring the front line. The Tropang Giga are motivated by the magnitude of the moment—and sometimes, that belief is what makes all the difference.
This is truly a toss-up, but the weight of chasing greatness might push TNT to the edge and bring out the very best in them.
✅ Prediction: TNT overcomes twice-to-beat disadvantage and advances
🏁 Final Thoughts: Pressure, Legacy, and Redemption
These quarterfinal battles are loaded with pressure:
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San Miguel wants to avenge last year’s heartbreak and show they’re still the alpha of the league.
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Meralco hopes to repeat the miracle and remind the league they’re no fluke.
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Magnolia is looking to finally get over the hump and lift another trophy.
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And TNT? They’re playing with history breathing down their necks.
The 2025 Philippine Cup playoffs are shaping up to be an instant classic. One team wants revenge. One team wants to spoil a dynasty. Another wants to build one.
Let the fireworks begin.
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