SMB vs Meralco Game 4 Final Score and Key Highlights from the Intense Matchup
Watching Game 4 of the SMB vs Meralco series felt like witnessing a classic playoff battle where momentum swung wildly, defenses tightened, and individual brilliance shone through. I’ve covered dozens of matchups over the years, but this one had a particular intensity that reminded me why I love Philippine basketball. From the opening tip-off, you could tell both teams came prepared, yet only one managed to sustain that energy when it mattered most.
San Miguel Beermen started strong, establishing an early lead with June Mar Fajardo dominating the paint. His footwork and positioning are just sublime—I’ve rarely seen a big man with his combination of strength and finesse. By the end of the first quarter, SMB led by 8 points, but anyone who’s followed this conference knew Meralco wouldn’t go down quietly. Chris Newsome and Allein Maliksi began finding their rhythm, cutting the deficit to just 3 points midway through the second period. The back-and-forth was exhilarating; every possession felt critical, and the crowd’s energy was electric.
Then came the third quarter—the turning point that brought back memories of that pivotal Game 3 performance by Rain or Shine, where they outscored TNT 37-12. While the context here was different, the impact felt similarly decisive. SMB unleashed a 22-6 run in just under six minutes, capitalizing on forced turnovers and cold shooting from Meralco. I remember thinking, "This is where championship experience shows." The Beermen’s ball movement was crisp, and their defensive rotations left Meralco scrambling. By the time the quarter ended, SMB had built a 19-point advantage, and you could see the frustration setting in on the other side.
Meralco tried to mount a comeback in the final frame, trimming the lead to 11 with about five minutes left, but SMB’s composure held firm. CJ Perez was everywhere—finishing with what I’d estimate around 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals—though I’ll admit I might be off by a digit or two since official stats weren’t finalized as I write this. His energy on both ends gave SMB the extra push they needed to close it out. Meanwhile, Fajardo’s presence in the paint forced Meralco into difficult shots, and despite Newsome’s valiant 25-point effort, it just wasn’t enough.
What stood out to me, beyond the stats, was how SMB managed the game’s tempo. They slowed it down when necessary, exploited mismatches, and never let Meralco’s runs completely derail them. I’ve always believed that playoff series are won in these subtle adjustments, and Coach Jorge Gallent’s decisions—like going small at key moments—paid off handsomely. On the flip side, Meralco’s reliance on perimeter shooting hurt them when those shots stopped falling; they attempted roughly 38 three-pointers but only converted 12, if my count is correct. That’s a efficiency rate they’ll need to improve if they hope to extend the series.
As the final buzzer sounded with SMB securing a 98-87 victory, I couldn’t help but reflect on what this means for the series. San Miguel now leads 3-1, and historically, teams in this position have around a 92% chance of advancing—a stat I recall from past playoffs, though it might vary slightly. But more than numbers, it’s the psychological edge that matters. Meralco has shown resilience, but overcoming a deficit like this against a veteran-laden squad is a monumental task. Personally, I’d love to see this go to a Game 5 for the sheer excitement, but SMB looks poised to wrap it up sooner rather than later.
In the end, Game 4 was a testament to San Miguel’s depth and execution under pressure. From Fajardo’s dominance to Perez’s two-way impact, they demonstrated why they’re perennial contenders. For Meralco, it’s back to the drawing board—addressing those third-quarter lapses and finding ways to sustain their offensive flow. As a longtime observer, I’m eager to see how both teams adjust, but if Game 4 taught us anything, it’s that SMB knows how to seize control when it counts.