PBA: San Miguel, TNT aim to return to full strength in Philippine Cup finals rematch

San Miguel and TNT, two of the winningest clubs in the PBA Philippine Cup over the last 15 years, are set for another showdown, though both teams must contend with lingering health concerns.

The Beermen have won seven of the last 15 All-Filipino titles, highlighted by a dominant five-peat from 2015 to 2019, while the Tropang 5G have claimed four championships during that span.

In the Season 49 edition, San Miguel and TNT squared off anew, with the Beermen emerging victorious to deny the Tropang 5G a coveted Grand Slam.

They are now set for another clash, with San Miguel hoping to replicate its success and TNT aiming to exact revenge.

However, both squads head into the series dealing with injuries.

For San Miguel, reigning nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo has been nursing a shoulder injury since their semifinal series against Barangay Ginebra, which the Beermen wrapped up in six games.

“Okay naman. Getting better naman,” Fajardo said during the finals press conference on Monday.

“Kailangan maghanda sa finals kasi alam namin na magiging mahirap na finals ’to para sa amin, pero sana makuha namin ’yung championship.”

TNT, meanwhile, is also grappling with injuries, with RR Pogoy set to miss the early part of the series due to a hamstring injury sustained in the semifinals against Meralco.

The veteran guard said he remains in recovery but is optimistic about returning later in the series.

“’Yun ’yung goal namin, na makahabol ako sa finals, pero ngayon nagpapalakas pa sa hamstring ko,” Pogoy said.

Pogoy’s absence further thins TNT’s backcourt rotation, with seasoned guard Jayson Castro already sidelined for the entire conference due to a knee injury.

Still, the Tropang 5G are not using injuries as an excuse, with Rey Nambatac eager to contribute after missing the previous Philippine Cup because of a groin injury.

“So far, so good. Healthy naman and excited ako kasi ayun nga, after ma-sit out sa last conference, nakabalik na sa finals. Dagdag motivation ’yun,” Nambatac said.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News