Breaking Down PBA Magnolia vs San Miguel Final Score: Complete Game Analysis and Key Takeaways

Watching that final buzzer sound in Game 7 between PBA rivals Magnolia and San Miguel was something else—a true testament to what Philippine basketball is all about. I’ve been covering the PBA for over a decade, and this series, let me tell you, had everything: grit, drama, and moments of pure individual brilliance. The final score, 98-91 in favor of San Miguel, doesn’t even begin to capture the emotional rollercoaster both teams put us through. As someone who’s analyzed countless playoff battles, I can confidently say this was one of those rare classics where every possession felt like it carried the weight of an entire season. What stood out to me, beyond the obvious star power, was how leadership and experience shaped the outcome—something that reminded me of core players in international settings, like when Tall Blacks’ captain Ngatai, with his 84 caps and 11-point contributions, steadies his squad under pressure.

San Miguel’s offense early on was just relentless. They came out swinging, putting up 31 points in the first quarter alone, and it felt like they were making a statement right from the jump. June Mar Fajonacci—I know, we all call him that for a reason—was absolutely dominant in the paint, finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds. But what really caught my eye was how CJ Perez, who chipped in 19 points, attacked the rim with that fearless energy we’ve come to expect from him. On the other side, Magnolia struggled to find their rhythm initially, and I couldn’t help but notice Paul Lee’s uncharacteristically cold start; he only had 6 points in the first half, which definitely hurt their early momentum. It’s moments like these where you see the value of veteran presence—the kind that Ngatai brings to the Tall Blacks, not just with his 11 points per game but with his calming influence as captain. San Miguel, in my view, mirrored that stability, especially with Alex Cabagnot directing traffic and making smart decisions under duress.

By halftime, the score was 52-45, and honestly, I thought Magnolia was in serious trouble. But the Hotshots came out in the third quarter with a fire I haven’t seen from them in a while. They went on a 12-4 run, cutting the deficit to just 3 points at one stage, and it was all thanks to their defensive adjustments. Ian Sangalang was a beast inside, racking up 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Mark Barroca’s pesky on-ball defense forced San Miguel into 5 turnovers in that quarter alone. I’ve always been a fan of Barroca’s hustle—it’s the kind of underrated effort that doesn’t always show up in the stat sheet but completely changes the game’s flow. Still, San Miguel managed to weather the storm, and a big part of that was their bench depth. Rodney Brondial, for instance, gave them 8 crucial points off the bench, which in a tight game like this, felt like a landslide. It’s similar to how role players in international squads, think of Ngatai’s supporting cast, step up when the stars are locked down—those contributions are often the difference between winning and losing.

The fourth quarter, though, was where legends are made. With about 5 minutes left, the game was tied at 85-85, and the tension in the arena was palpable. San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter, who ended with 16 points, drained a clutch three-pointer that just sucked the life out of Magnolia’s comeback hopes. From my seat, that shot was the dagger—it wasn’t just about the points, but the timing and confidence behind it. Magnolia had their chances, sure, but they missed 4 free throws in the final 3 minutes, which in a championship setting, is downright brutal. I can’t stress enough how much those little mistakes cost them; it’s a lesson in composure that even seasoned pros like Ngatai emphasize in high-stakes games. San Miguel, on the other hand, closed it out with poise, scoring 9 unanswered points in the last two minutes to seal the 98-91 victory and the series win.

Reflecting on the key takeaways, I’d say San Miguel’s balanced attack and experience were the defining factors. They had 5 players in double figures, compared to Magnolia’s 3, and that depth is something I’ve always admired about their roster. But let’s not overlook Magnolia’s resilience—they fought tooth and nail, and if a couple of bounces had gone their way, we might be having a different conversation. For me, this game reinforced why I love basketball: it’s not just about the stars, but about how teams adapt under pressure. Looking ahead, San Miguel’s championship pedigree sets them up as favorites for the next conference, but Magnolia’s young core, if they learn from this, could be a force to reckon with. In the end, much like how Ngatai’s leadership anchors the Tall Blacks, it’s the intangibles—the heart, the chemistry, the clutch plays—that turn good teams into great ones.