PBA Finals: Breaking Down Magnolia vs San Miguel Final Score and Game Highlights

Watching that final buzzer sound in Game 7 of the PBA Finals, with Magnolia narrowly clinching victory over San Miguel by a final score of 98-96, I couldn’t help but reflect on what it means to be a leader when the stakes are highest. It reminded me of players like Mika Vukona or Kirk Penney—those seasoned veterans whose impact isn’t always measured in points alone. Take, for instance, someone like Tall Blacks’ captain, Corey Webster—though he wasn’t on the court tonight, his legacy of leadership came to mind. In international play, players like Webster, who’ve earned 84 caps, bring a steadiness that’s invaluable. I remember watching a game where Webster, much like June Mar Fajardo tonight, stepped up not just with scoring but with composure. That kind of experience is what separates contenders from champions, and honestly, I think it’s what tilted this series in Magnolia’s favor.

The game itself was a rollercoaster, with both teams trading blows from the opening tip-off. Magnolia started strong, building a 12-point lead by the end of the first quarter, but San Miguel, led by Fajardo’s dominant presence in the paint, clawed back with a 15-4 run in the second. As a longtime follower of the PBA, I’ve seen Fajardo do this time and again—his ability to control the boards and draw fouls is just phenomenal. By halftime, the score was tied at 52-52, and you could feel the tension in the arena. Personally, I thought San Miguel had the momentum, especially with their bench contributing 28 points in the first half alone. But what stood out to me was Magnolia’s defensive adjustments. They started double-teaming Fajardo more aggressively, forcing turnovers that led to fast breaks. In the third quarter, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, who finished with 24 points, hit three consecutive three-pointers that shifted the energy completely. It was one of those moments where you just knew the game was turning—Lee’s confidence was palpable, and as a fan, I have to admit, I was on my feet cheering.

As the fourth quarter unfolded, the back-and-forth intensified. San Miguel’s Terrence Romeo, who had a stellar night with 30 points, kept them in it with some clutch shooting, but Magnolia’s team chemistry shone through. I’ve always believed that finals are won not by individual brilliance alone but by how well a team executes under pressure. Magnolia’s ball movement in the final minutes was crisp—they dished out 22 assists compared to San Miguel’s 18—and that, in my view, made the difference. With less than a minute left, the score was 96-95 in San Miguel’s favor, but a crucial steal by Magnolia’s Jio Jalalon led to an and-one play that put them ahead for good. Reflecting on it now, I think San Miguel’s reliance on iso-plays down the stretch hurt them; they seemed to forget the value of shared responsibility, something that leaders like Webster emphasize in international settings. When the final buzzer sounded, Magnolia’s 98-96 victory felt like a testament to resilience. In my years covering basketball, I’ve learned that series like this one aren’t just about stats—they’re about heart, and tonight, Magnolia had just a little more of it. This finals will be remembered not only for the close scoreline but for the lessons in leadership and teamwork that define championship basketball.