I still can’t quite believe what I witnessed last night. As someone who’s been covering the PBA for over a decade, I thought I’d seen every possible playoff scenario—but the SMB vs Meralco Game 2 final score reveals a shocking upset that even the most seasoned analysts didn’t see coming. The final buzzer showed 98–95 in favor of Meralco, a team that entered this series as clear underdogs. San Miguel Beermen, the powerhouse franchise with a legacy of championships, seemed untouchable just 48 hours ago. Yet here we are, staring at a tied series and a completely shifted momentum.
Let me set the stage for those who might’ve missed the buildup. San Miguel finished the elimination rounds with a 9–2 record, dominating both offensively and defensively. June Mar Fajardo was, as usual, a force in the paint, averaging a double-double. On paper, Meralco shouldn’t have stood a chance—they barely scraped into the playoffs with a 6–5 record, relying heavily on their backcourt duo. But as I’ve learned in this league, paper stats don’t always translate to heart, and that’s exactly what Meralco brought to the court last night.
The game itself was a rollercoaster. San Miguel started strong, leading by as much as 12 points in the second quarter. But Meralco’s defense tightened, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on fast breaks. By halftime, the lead had shrunk to just four. What struck me most was the composure of Meralco’s younger players. Chris Newsome was phenomenal, but it was rookie sensation Tony DeBeer who stole the spotlight. DeBeer, who only turned 21 last month, dropped 24 points off the bench, including a clutch three-pointer in the dying seconds. His performance reminded me of something he mentioned in an interview a while back. “I didn’t even know that I was the shortest and the second youngest until someone told me the other day,” DeBeer told SPIN.ph. That humility, combined with raw talent, makes him one of the most exciting prospects I’ve seen in years. He played without fear, and it showed.
Now, let’s talk about that fourth quarter. With three minutes left, SMB was up by five, and I’ll admit—I thought they’d close it out. But Meralco’s full-court press disrupted San Miguel’s rhythm, leading to back-to-back turnovers. A steal by DeBeer led to an and-one layup, tying the game at 92–92. The arena was electric, fans on their feet, and you could feel the tension. Then, with 15 seconds on the clock, DeBeer sank that three-pointer from way beyond the arc. It was a gutsy shot, the kind veterans hesitate to take. But he’s not playing like a rookie right now—he’s playing like a star.
From my perspective, this upset isn’t just about one game. It’s a statement about the evolving landscape of the PBA. For years, the league has been dominated by a few elite teams, but what we’re seeing now is a shift. Younger, hungrier squads like Meralco are rewriting the script, and it’s refreshing. I’ve always rooted for underdogs—maybe it’s because I remember covering games where the outcome felt predetermined. Last night was different. It was unpredictable, messy, and absolutely thrilling.
Of course, not everyone will see it that way. Some critics might argue that San Miguel simply had an off night, pointing to their uncharacteristic 18 turnovers. But that feels like a disservice to Meralco’s defensive intensity. They forced those errors, and they capitalized. Coach Norman Black’s strategy to double-team Fajardo in the post clearly paid off, limiting him to just 14 points—well below his season average. It was a masterclass in tactical adjustments.
Looking ahead, Game 3 is now a must-watch. San Miguel will undoubtedly come back stronger, but Meralco has the momentum and, more importantly, the belief. If DeBeer and Newsome can replicate their performances, we might be looking at a series that goes the distance. Personally, I’m excited to see how this underdog story unfolds. The SMB vs Meralco Game 2 final score reveals a shocking upset, yes, but it also reveals something deeper—a league in transition, where legacy no longer guarantees victory. And honestly? I’m here for it.
