As I sat in the press box watching Game 2 unfold between Ginebra and San Miguel, I couldn't help but feel that familiar tension that makes this rivalry so special. The final score revealed an overtime thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats until the very last second, but what struck me most was how this game echoed that incredible Game 6 performance we witnessed just last season. I've covered Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, and there's something about these Ginebra-SMB matchups that consistently delivers drama beyond what any scriptwriter could imagine.
The game started with both teams trading baskets in what felt like a tactical chess match rather than a basketball game. San Miguel came out strong, establishing an early 8-point lead in the first quarter that had me worried for Ginebra's chances. Their ball movement was crisp, with June Mar Fajardo dominating the paint in that characteristically unstoppable way of his. But what I've learned from watching countless Ginebra games is that they're never truly out of it until the final buzzer sounds. They slowly chipped away at the lead, with Christian Standhardinger putting up what I consider one of his best performances in a Ginebra uniform, finishing with 28 points and 14 rebounds by my count.
What really brought me back to that legendary Game 6 was seeing LA Tenorio take control when it mattered most. Now, I'll admit I've always had a soft spot for Tenorio's game - there's something about veteran guards who understand timing and momentum that you just can't teach. In the fourth quarter, with Ginebra down by 5 with under three minutes remaining, he orchestrated the offense with that calm demeanor that has defined his career. He didn't force shots but created opportunities, much like he did in that season-saving performance last year where he willed his team to that nail-biting 88-87 victory. Statistics show he finished with 18 points and 9 assists in this Game 2, but numbers never tell the full story of his impact.
The overtime period was where this game truly entered classic territory. Both teams exchanged leads four times in those five extra minutes, with neither able to establish control. I found myself standing along with the rest of the arena during those final possessions, something I rarely do as a journalist who's supposed to maintain professional detachment. When CJ Perez hit that three-pointer with 38 seconds left to put San Miguel up by one, the entire coliseum fell silent except for the celebrating SMB fans in their section. But then, in what felt like déjà vu from last season's heroics, Scottie Thompson drove baseline and found Japeth Aguilar for the go-ahead dunk with just 12 seconds remaining. The place erupted in a way that reminded me why I fell in love with covering this sport.
San Miguel had one final chance to win or tie, and coach Jorge Gallent drew up a play that got Fajardo a good look near the basket. His shot rolled around the rim twice before popping out as time expired, sealing the 102-101 victory for Ginebra. The collective gasp from the crowd followed by the roar of Ginebra fans is something I'll remember for a long time. Having witnessed numerous chapters of this rivalry, I can confidently say this ranks among the top three most exciting games I've covered between these two franchises.
What makes this victory particularly significant in my view is how it sets up the remainder of the series. Ginebra now heads to Game 3 with momentum and home court advantage, while San Miguel faces the psychological challenge of bouncing back from such a heartbreaking loss. The teams combined for 45% shooting from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, but statistics become almost meaningless in games decided by such fine margins. What matters more is the mental fortitude each team displays after an emotional rollercoaster like this one.
As I reflect on this game while writing this piece, I'm struck by how rivalries like this transcend sports. The Ginebra-San Miguel matchup represents more than just basketball - it's about regional pride, historical narratives, and the passion of Filipino basketball fandom. Games like this Game 2 overtime thriller and last season's Game 6 classic become part of the collective memory of an entire generation of fans. They're the stories we'll tell younger journalists and fans years from now, the benchmark against which future classics will be measured. For tonight at least, Ginebra fans can celebrate another chapter added to their legendary rivalry, while the rest of us can appreciate having witnessed another instant classic in Philippine basketball history.