SMB Makes History With 4th Straight Philippine Cup

The San Miguel Beermen could have stopped trying when they were already more than 20 points down. They had a 3-to-1 lead in the series, and they could easily have quit, rested their starters and plan for the next game. But that mentality is what cost them their grand slam bid in 2017, and they have learned from their mistakes. Even though the starters were playing heavy minutes, they were still playing all out.

The three point shots were not falling for them. Even Jun Mar was missing from from point blank range and was being doubled and even triple-teamed just so he would give up the ball. Alex wasn't able to contribute anything. And the Magnolia Hotshots were pounding it both outside and in, with Paul Lee suddenly finding his stroke from rainbow country and Barroca, Dela Rosa and  Reavis helping out.

But the Beermen finally woke up in the 4th and in the same fashion that Magnolia whittled down their twenty point deficit in Game 1 of this series, the Beermen clawed their way back in the 4th quarter, with Marcio and Jun Mar taking advantage of every opportunity they could get. Magnolia was in the penalty, so SMB tried to get to the foul line as much as possible. And with Magnolia's limited guard rotation, SMB applied a full court press. This was amazing, again, considering that their starters were doing the press and their starters were logging heavy minutes.

And Arwind gave another heroic moment in his long history of heroic moments for the San Miguel franchise. SMB was down by 3 with less than a minute remaining. They wanted a quick 2, but the play was broken. Alex tried to go for a 3 but the ball bounced out, and Chris got it back by some miracle. He was at the 3 point line and he could have taken it, but SMB plays as a team that recognizes one another's roles. Arwind was at his favorite spot at the three-point line and between Chris and Arwind, the latter was at a better position to make the shot. And BANG! Arwind takes the shot that ties the game. He raises his pistol figured hand in triumph as the Beermen force the game into overtime.

And it had to take two overtimes for SMB to finally put this series away. Props to Magnolia who didn't let them get this win easily. Many will be looking on to the Commissioner's Cup to see how Christian Stanhardinger will affect the existing chemistry of the Beermen. He could be a bane or a boon. And you still have the import to worry about, too, how he will blend with the team. It is an interesting time, and perhaps an exciting time, too. Because with the Philippine Cup win, the current Beermen roster again has a chance at a grand slam - what I personally wish they would attain while their core is intact and as this team stays humble amidst their numerous accomplishments.