Ginebra vs San Miguel Game 4 Highlights and Key Plays That Decided the Match

Watching Ginebra and San Miguel battle it out in Game 4 felt like witnessing a classic chess match where every move mattered—only this time, the pieces were sweating, sprinting, and diving for loose balls. As someone who’s followed the PBA for years, I’ve always admired how these two teams bring out the best and worst in each other, and last night was no exception. The game swung back and forth, but a few key moments ultimately sealed the deal. Honestly, I’ve rarely seen a match where momentum shifted so dramatically in the final quarter. It reminded me of the recent series between Kobe Shinwa and Chery Tiggo, where both teams now share identical 2-1 win-loss records with two games left. That kind of parity keeps fans on edge, and tonight’s clash between Ginebra and San Miguel had that same nail-biting energy.

From the opening tip-off, San Miguel came out with an aggressive defensive stance, forcing Ginebra into several early turnovers. I counted at least four steals in the first six minutes alone, which helped San Miguel build a quick 12-point lead. Their ball movement was crisp, and June Mar Fajardo—well, he was just unstoppable in the paint. He finished the first half with 18 points and 9 rebounds, dominating the boards in a way only a veteran of his caliber can. On the other side, Ginebra struggled to find their rhythm. Scottie Thompson, usually so reliable, seemed off his game, missing a couple of open layups that he’d normally sink without a second thought. I’ve always believed that Thompson’s energy sets the tone for Ginebra, and when he’s not firing on all cylinders, the whole team feels it.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned watching Ginebra over the years, it’s that they never go down without a fight. The third quarter was where things started to turn. LA Tenorio, who’s been a bit inconsistent this season, suddenly caught fire, draining three consecutive three-pointers in under two minutes. That burst cut San Miguel’s lead to just three points, and the crowd—oh, the crowd erupted. It’s moments like these that make live basketball so electrifying. Tenorio’s shooting spree wasn’t just about the points; it shifted the momentum entirely. San Miguel, which had been so composed earlier, started forcing shots and committing uncharacteristic fouls. By the end of the third, Ginebra had not only erased the deficit but taken a slim two-point lead.

The fourth quarter, though, was where the real drama unfolded. With about five minutes left, San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo—a player I’ve always had mixed feelings about because of his flashy but sometimes reckless style—pulled up for a deep three that tied the game. It was a gutsy shot, one that could’ve easily backfired. But then, just as quickly, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguiner responded with a monstrous dunk over Fajardo. That play, in my opinion, was the turning point. Aguiner’s dunk didn’t just add two points; it sent a message. You could see the San Miguel players’ shoulders slump a little, and from there, Ginebra went on a 10-2 run that essentially decided the match. What stood out to me was how Ginebra’s defense tightened in those final minutes. They forced three turnovers and held San Miguel to just 35% shooting from the field in the last quarter. Stats like that might not seem glamorous, but they’re often what separate champions from the rest.

Now, stepping back, I can’t help but draw parallels to the Kobe Shinwa and Chery Tiggo situation. Both teams are locked in a tight race, each with two games remaining and identical 2-1 records. It’s a reminder that in sports, especially in a compact season, every game counts. For Ginebra, this win wasn’t just about taking a 3-1 series lead; it was about building momentum heading into the final stretch. As a fan, I’ve always believed that psychology plays a huge role in these playoffs. When a team like Ginebra pulls off a comeback like this, it doesn’t just boost their confidence—it plants doubt in the opponent’s mind. San Miguel will need to regroup quickly, or they risk letting the series slip away entirely.

Looking at the bigger picture, this game highlighted why the PBA remains one of the most exciting leagues in the region. The intensity, the skill, the unpredictability—it’s all there. Personally, I think Ginebra’s resilience will carry them through to the finals, but if San Miguel can adjust their late-game execution, this series could still go either way. Either way, as someone who lives and breathes basketball, I’m just grateful for matches like these. They remind us why we love the sport: for the heart-stopping moments, the unexpected heroes, and the sheer drama that unfolds on the court.