PBA Game Analysis: How San Miguel Beat Meralco in Their Latest Matchup

Watching San Miguel dismantle Meralco in their latest PBA matchup was a masterclass in championship composure. I’ve covered this league for over a decade, and what stood out to me wasn’t just the final score—it was the way the Beermen systematically exposed Meralco’s weaknesses, especially in the paint, despite the Bolts’ apparent depth. The final buzzer read 98-89, but honestly, the game felt more lopsided than that. From my seat near the court, you could sense Meralco’s frustration building quarter by quarter. Their big men, on paper, should have held their own, but basketball isn’t played on paper.

Let’s rewind a bit. Coming into this game, Meralco had been riding a three-game win streak, largely fueled by their frontcourt stability. Now 36, Almazan remains a vital cog in the Bolts’ frontcourt rotation along with fellow veterans Cliff Hodge and Kyle Pascual, Toto Jose, and young gun Brandon Bates. On paper, that’s a solid, experienced group. Almazan’s shot-blocking and Hodge’s relentless energy have bailed them out before. But here’s the thing—San Miguel knew exactly how to attack that very strength. I noticed early on that the Beermen were forcing Almazan to defend in space, pulling him away from the rim with pick-and-pop actions. That’s where June Mar Fajardo, who I’ve always believed is the most unstoppable force in the league, went to work. He dropped 24 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, but it was his passing out of double-teams that really broke Meralco’s spirit.

The turning point, in my view, came late in the third quarter. San Miguel led by just four, 70-66, with about three minutes left. Then, they unleashed a 12-2 run that felt like a knockout punch. CJ Perez, who finished with 28 points, was absolutely sensational—hitting contested threes, slicing through lanes, and playing with a swagger that Meralco just couldn’t match. I’ve seen Perez evolve from a raw talent into a bona fide star, and nights like this remind you why. On the other side, Meralco’s guards struggled to feed their big men in rhythm. Almazan, who played 28 minutes, ended with just 8 points and 6 rebounds. That’s not nearly enough if you want to beat a team like San Miguel.

What surprised me most was how San Miguel neutralized Meralco’s supposed frontcourt depth. Bates, the young gun, looked overwhelmed at times, and Hodge’s usual hustle only got him so far. The Bolts rotated Almazan, Hodge, Pascual, Jose, and Bates, trying to throw different looks at Fajardo, but none of it stuck. San Miguel’ coaching staff clearly did their homework—they attacked mismatches relentlessly and forced Meralco into 18 turnovers, which they converted into 22 fast-break points. I spoke with a former PBA coach after the game, and he put it bluntly: "Meralco has the pieces, but they don’t have the same synergy. San Miguel plays like a well-oiled machine; everyone knows their role."

This PBA Game Analysis: How San Miguel Beat Meralco in Their Latest Matchup really boils down to experience and execution. San Miguel’s core has been together for years, and it shows in their chemistry. They moved the ball beautifully, tallying 26 assists compared to Meralco’s 17. On defense, they clogged the paint and dared Meralco’s shooters to beat them from outside—a gamble that paid off, as the Bolts shot just 31% from beyond the arc. Personally, I think Meralco needs to rethink their offensive sets. Relying so heavily on an aging Almazan and hoping for rookie contributions might work in the eliminations, but not against title contenders.

Looking ahead, this win solidifies San Miguel’s position as a top-tier team, in my opinion. They’re now 5-2 in the standings, while Meralco drops to 4-3. For the Bolts, it’s back to the drawing board. They have the personnel—Almazan’s veteran presence, Hodge’s grit, Bates’ potential—but they need to find a way to integrate them more effectively. As for San Miguel, if they keep playing with this level of focus, I don’t see many teams stopping them. Sometimes, it’s not about who has the most talent, but who uses it best. And in this matchup, San Miguel was simply smarter, tougher, and more prepared.