PBA: San Miguel flexes experience over NLEX in semis-clinching win

San Miguel secured a semifinal berth in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup by defeating the eighth-seeded NLEX Road Warriors 101-94 in their quarterfinal matchup on Christmas Day. The victory spoiled the return of NLEX star Robert Bolick, who was fresh from winning a gold medal at the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.

As the top seed, the defending champion Beermen possessed a twice-to-beat advantage and used it to end NLEX's conference run. Despite a sluggish start and trailing 53-47 at halftime, San Miguel took control of the game with a decisive 21-2 run in the second half, spearheaded by Don Trollano. Trollano scored 15 of his 17 points during a 32-19 third-quarter assault.

June Mar Fajardo dominated the game from start to finish, posting a monstrous double-double of 26 points and 23 rebounds, along with 6 assists. Jericho Cruz contributed 18 points, with 11 coming in the first quarter, while CJ Perez added 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. San Miguel coach Leo Austria credited his team's playoff experience and a key rotational adjustment—starting Trollano in the second half—for the turnaround and victory.

With the win, San Miguel advances to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the Converge-Ginebra series.