SMB One Win Away from Glory as Jericho Cruz Erupts in Game 4 Victory Over TNT
Manila, Philippines — In a showdown packed with intensity, swagger, and playoff grit, the San Miguel Beermen moved just one win away from claiming the PBA championship after overpowering TNT Tropang Giga in a statement victory, 105–91, in Game 4 of the #PBAFinals. The Beermen now hold a commanding 3–1 series lead, and the title is suddenly within reach.
The hero of the night? Jericho Cruz, who delivered a monstrous performance that had the MOA Arena crowd on its feet. The veteran guard dropped 23 points, played suffocating perimeter defense, and ignited several fast breaks that broke the game wide open.
> “I just stayed locked in,” said Cruz postgame, drenched in sweat and surrounded by cameras. “We’re not celebrating yet—but we can smell it. We know what’s at stake.”
Cruz’s energy was contagious. From the opening tip, SMB played like a team possessed. June Mar Fajardo set the tone inside, commanding double-teams and dishing out crisp passes to open shooters. CJ Perez slashed through the defense with his usual speed, and Marcio Lassiter hit timely shots that stifled every TNT rally.
But it was Cruz who set the arena ablaze in the third quarter.
With TNT closing the gap to six midway through the frame, Cruz went on a personal 8-point run—including a pull-up three, a coast-to-coast layup off a steal, and a dagger mid-range jumper that forced TNT into a timeout. The scoreboard read 82–68, and the game never looked the same again.
> “Jericho turned into a beast tonight,” said SMB head coach Jorge Gallent. “That’s what champions do—they rise when the moment demands it.”
TNT struggled to find rhythm. Jayson Castro was limited by SMB’s aggressive switching defense, and Mikey Williams was hounded all night, held to just 14 points on 5-of-17 shooting. With their offense sputtering, TNT found themselves chasing shadows in transition, and the Beermen never let off the gas.
The crowd, a sea of red and white, chanted “Fear The Beer!” as the Beermen pulled away in the fourth. The final buzzer was met with roars, drums, and a defiant belief that history is within grasp.
SMB now leads the series 3–1, and fans are already talking about title number 29.
> “Isa na lang,” said Fajardo, flashing a rare grin. “We’ve worked all year for this. One more game, but we know TNT won’t just hand it to us.”
As Game 5 looms, all eyes are on whether San Miguel will close it out—or if TNT can summon one last run. But tonight, the spotlight belongs to the Beermen—and to Jericho Cruz, who reminded everyone why championships aren’t just won—they’re earned with fire.
San Miguel 105, TNT 91. Series: SMB leads 3–1.
The dynasty is knocking. Will the door be opened in Game 5?
Let me know if you’d like a post-game script or social media version of this!
