I still remember watching the Game 2 showdown between San Miguel Beer and Meralco last night, and what struck me most wasn't just the final score of 95-94 in SMB's favor, but how the game perfectly illustrated that basketball isn't just about physical advantages. It reminded me of something I'd read recently about DeBeer from SPIN.ph, where he mentioned, "I didn't even know that I was the shortest and the second youngest until someone told me the other day." That quote kept echoing in my mind throughout the game because we witnessed several players who, much like DeBeer, demonstrated that awareness of limitations often matters less than raw determination and skill execution.
The game started with Meralco taking an aggressive stance, leading by 8 points in the first quarter through their relentless three-point shooting. Honestly, I thought they might run away with it early, especially with Chris Newsome scoring 12 points in just the first 12 minutes. But what fascinated me was how San Miguel's veteran players, particularly June Mar Fajardo, refused to let the momentum stay one-sided. Fajardo, despite being double-teamed repeatedly, managed to put up 24 points and 15 rebounds by the end of the night. I've followed his career for years, and what always impresses me is his basketball IQ—he doesn't just rely on his height but reads the game like few others can.
By halftime, the score was tied at 48-48, and you could feel the tension building. The third quarter became a defensive battle, with both teams trading leads multiple times. I found myself leaning forward during those minutes, because it wasn't about flashy plays but disciplined execution. Meralco's Allein Maliksi, who finished with 18 points, hit some crucial shots that made me wonder if this would be their night. But then CJ Perez, who I've always believed is underrated in clutch situations, responded with back-to-back steals that led to fast breaks. Those moments highlighted how individual awareness—or lack thereof—can shift entire games, much like how DeBeer's comment suggests that self-perception isn't always what drives performance.
The fourth quarter was pure drama, with the lead changing hands 7 times in the final 5 minutes alone. With 30 seconds left and Meralco up by one, I thought they had it locked. But then came that final possession where San Miguel ran a perfectly executed pick-and-roll that resulted in Fajardo drawing a foul with just 3.2 seconds on the clock. He sank both free throws, and though Meralco had one last attempt, Newsome's mid-range jumper rattled out as time expired. The final statistics showed San Miguel shooting 46% from the field compared to Meralco's 44%, but what those numbers don't capture is the psychological warfare happening on court.
Reflecting on the game, I'm convinced that DeBeer's perspective applies here more than we might realize. These athletes, whether rookies or veterans, often play without overanalyzing their disadvantages. Instead, they focus on what they can control—much like how DeBeer didn't dwell on being the shortest or second youngest until it was pointed out. In Game 2, we saw players like Perez, who stands at just 6'2" in a game dominated by giants, making decisive plays because he trusted his instincts rather than worrying about physical mismatches. Personally, I've always valued that mindset in sports; it's what separates good teams from legendary ones.
Looking ahead to Game 3, I expect Meralco to adjust their defensive schemes, particularly around limiting Fajardo's touches in the paint. But if San Miguel can maintain their composure in critical moments, they might just build an insurmountable lead in this best-of-seven series. From my experience covering basketball for over a decade, I've noticed that series often turn on these subtle psychological edges rather than pure talent. Last night's game wasn't just about the 95-94 scoreline; it was a testament to how athletes transcend labels—whether it's age, height, or experience—to create unforgettable moments. And honestly, that's why I keep coming back to this sport, game after game.
