The tension surrounding the PBA Philippine Cup Finals 2025 is at a boiling point as TNT Tropang Giga and San Miguel Beermen head into Game 2 following a highly debated ending in the opener. The match tips off Wednesday (July 16) night at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams locked and loaded for another fierce showdown.

Coming off a controversial 99-96 escape in Game 1, the Tropang Giga are looking to build on their lead and move within striking distance of a coveted Grand Slam. But the Beermen, stung by a late-game offensive basket interference call, are determined to bounce back and even the series at 1-1 before returning for Game 3 on Friday.

Beermen seek redemption, fueled by missed opportunity

While San Miguel saw their furious rally fall short due to the nullification of Mo Tautuaa’s basket, head coach Leo Austria isn’t letting his squad dwell on the decision.

“I told the team it’s beyond our control now,” said Austria. “Let’s be motivated by the incident.”

Austria is banking on their momentum from a 30-14 finishing run, which nearly erased a 24-point deficit. With June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, and defensive specialist Chris Ross leading the charge, the Beermen are confident they can match or surpass TNT’s intensity in Game 2.

Tropang Giga keeping calm under fire

On the other side, Chot Reyes commended his TNT squad for maintaining their poise amid San Miguel’s late surge.

“We expected it,” Reyes said of the Beermen’s comeback. “We kept telling the players to just relax, stay calm.”

Reyes noted the impact of Ross’ relentless pressure that nearly turned the game. “Chris Ross is a one-man pressing machine. He almost single-handedly brought them back. But good enough, we kept our composure in the end.”

With both teams now fully aware of each other’s capabilities and mindset, Game 2 promises another intense chess match with the stakes getting higher. For TNT, it’s a shot at taking control of the series. For San Miguel, it’s a must-win to keep their championship hopes intact.