PBA Game 4 Final Score Reveals Thrilling Overtime Finish and Series Outcome

I still can't believe what we witnessed in last night's PBA Game 4 - the kind of basketball that reminds me why I've been following this league for over a decade. When that final buzzer sounded after overtime, the arena erupted in a way I haven't seen since the 2019 finals. The game wasn't just about the final score revealing a thrilling overtime finish; it was about how we got there, with players digging deep when it mattered most.

Jericho Cruz absolutely dominated with his 20-point performance, showing the kind of clutch shooting that separates good players from great ones. I've been watching Cruz since his rookie season, and last night he demonstrated why he's become one of the most reliable scorers in crucial moments. What impressed me most wasn't just his scoring - it was his decision-making during those pressure-filled overtime minutes. Meanwhile, Marcio Lassiter's contribution of 15 points and five rebounds might seem modest on paper, but anyone who watched the game knows how critical his three-pointers were during that fourth-quarter comeback. I've always believed Lassiter is one of the most underrated shooters in the league, and last night proved it once again.

The real story though was in the paint, where June Mar Fajardo battled through foul trouble to put up 13 points and 13 rebounds. Playing with four fouls through the entire second half would have sidelined most big men, but Fajardo's basketball IQ allowed him to remain effective while avoiding that crucial fifth foul. I've seen many players in similar situations become too cautious, but Fajardo managed to impact the game while walking that tightrope. His fellow big man Mo Tautuaa also playing with four fouls created what I consider the most fascinating strategic element of the game - watching how both teams adjusted their offensive approaches knowing these defensive anchors were limited.

What made this overtime finish particularly memorable was how both teams refused to back down. The lead changed hands seven times in the final three minutes of regulation, with neither team able to secure more than a two-point advantage. As someone who's analyzed hundreds of PBA games, I can tell you that this back-and-forth action is what creates legendary series moments. The tension in those final seconds before overtime was palpable even through the screen - you could feel the entire stadium holding its breath.

The series outcome now sets up what promises to be an incredible next game. Having watched how these teams adapted to the foul situations and overtime pressure, I'm convinced we're looking at a series that could go the distance. The coaching decisions, particularly how they managed the minutes of their foul-plagued big men, demonstrated the kind of strategic depth that casual fans often miss but us longtime followers appreciate deeply. This game wasn't just about who won or lost - it was a masterclass in adjustment and resilience.

Personally, I think this game will be remembered as a turning point in the series. The way both teams handled adversity, particularly with key players in foul trouble, shows the character of these squads. I've always believed that championship teams find ways to win even when circumstances aren't ideal, and last night's performance from both sides demonstrated why they deserve to be in this position. The final score might show one team emerging victorious, but honestly, both teams won respect from basketball purists like myself with how they competed until the very last second.