Who Won PBA Finals Game 5? Final Score and Championship Implications Revealed

Walking into the packed arena last night, I could feel the electricity in the air—the kind that only comes when a championship is on the line. As someone who’s covered the Philippine Basketball Association for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of unforgettable moments, but Game 5 of this year’s finals had a different kind of weight. It wasn’t just about who would take home the trophy; it was about legacies, momentum, and what it truly means to dominate when it matters most. And if you’re wondering who won PBA Finals Game 5, let me cut straight to it: the San Miguel Beermen pulled off a stunning 98–95 victory over the TNT Tropang Giga in a contest that went down to the final possession.

I’ve always believed that championship-caliber teams reveal themselves in moments like these—when the game is tight, the crowd is roaring, and every possession feels like it lasts an eternity. Last night was no exception. With under a minute left and the score tied at 93–93, June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen’s cornerstone, did what he does best: he sealed his defender, received an entry pass, and finished through contact for a three-point play. It was a move I’ve seen him execute dozens of times, but under the bright lights of the finals, it felt iconic. TNT had one last chance to tie it with 4.2 seconds on the clock, but Roger Pogoy’s three-point attempt rattled in and out, sealing the Beermen’s hard-fought win.

Now, I know some fans might point to TNT’s explosive backcourt or their disciplined half-court sets—and yes, they had their moments—but what stood out to me was San Miguel’s resilience. They trailed by as many as 11 points in the third quarter, and it would’ve been easy for a lesser team to fold. But this squad, much like the powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers volleyball team that only lost three matches total en route to the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference title last April, knows how to weather storms. There’s something special about teams that refuse to lose even when the odds aren’t in their favor.

Let’s talk numbers for a second because they tell a compelling story. Fajardo finished with 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks—a monster stat line that reminds everyone why he’s a six-time PBA MVP. CJ Perez added 22 points, including several clutch baskets down the stretch, while Terrence Romeo provided a spark off the bench with 16 points, 4 assists, and what I’d argue were the two most important steals of the game. On the TNT side, Mikey Williams dropped 28 points, but his 5 turnovers in the fourth quarter ultimately proved costly. As a analyst, I can’t help but feel that TNT’s reliance on perimeter shooting—they attempted 38 threes but only hit 12—left them vulnerable in crunch time.

Watching this game, I kept thinking about how championships are often defined by depth and experience. San Miguel’s roster is stacked with veterans who’ve been here before, and it showed in their poise. Compare that to TNT, which has plenty of young talent but seemed to rush decisions when the pressure mounted. It’s the same dynamic I noticed with the Cool Smashers in the PVL—teams that have been through the grind before just handle high-stakes situations differently.

So, what does this victory mean for the championship implications? Well, with the Beermen now leading the series 3–2, they’re just one win away from claiming the title. Game 6 will be played this weekend, and if I were a betting person—which, full disclosure, I’m not—I’d put my money on San Miguel closing it out. They’ve got the momentum, the best player on the floor in Fajardo, and a supporting cast that’s clicking at the right time. That said, TNT is far from done. They’ve shown they can hang with the Beermen, and if they clean up their late-game execution, we could be in for a thrilling Game 7.

From my perspective, this series has already exceeded expectations. It’s had everything: dramatic comebacks, individual brilliance, and coaching chess matches. But what I’ll remember most is the sheer will to win displayed by both teams. In my years covering the league, I’ve learned that the best finals aren’t just about which team lifts the trophy—they’re about the stories that unfold along the way. And last night’s Game 5 added another unforgettable chapter.

As we look ahead, I’m excited to see how both teams adjust. Will San Miguel rely more on their interior dominance, or will TNT’s shooters finally catch fire? One thing’s for sure: I’ll be watching, notebook in hand, ready to witness whatever comes next. Because in the PBA, as in life, the most thrilling moments often happen when you least expect them.