2025-11-22 10:00
I still remember watching last night's PBA finals with my buddies at our local sports bar, the tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. We've been following this season religiously, and let me tell you, last night's game between the Magnolia Hotshots and the San Miguel Beermen was one for the history books. The final score was 98-94 in favor of Magnolia, ending what felt like an eternity of championship droughts for the franchise. Honestly, I've been waiting for this moment since I started following PBA back in 2015, and seeing Magnolia finally break through gave me chills.
You could feel the shift in energy during that crucial fourth quarter when Mika Reyes took control of the game. I've watched this player develop over the years, and last night was something special. With about three minutes left on the clock and San Miguel threatening to take the lead, Reyes made back-to-back defensive stops that completely changed the momentum. The first was a spectacular block against June Mar Fajardo - who stands at 6'10" by the way - followed by stealing the ball from Chris Ross in the very next possession. Those two plays alone probably earned him the Finals MVP title right there.
What really struck me about Reyes' performance was how he embodied that shift from "what-ifs" to "what now" that the team has been talking about. I've lost count of how many times I've seen Magnolia come close to winning championships only to fall short in the final moments. Just last season, they lost the finals in Game 7 by a mere two points. That kind of history weighs on a team, and you could see it in their body language during tight games. But last night was different - there was this determination in their eyes that I haven't seen before, especially from Reyes.
The statistics tell part of the story - Reyes finished with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks - but numbers don't capture how he dominated the paint when it mattered most. I noticed he was particularly effective in the restricted area, making 12 of his 16 attempts from that zone. What impressed me more than his scoring though was his basketball IQ. There was this one play where he recognized San Miguel's defensive scheme, called an audible, and set up a perfect pick-and-roll that led to an easy basket for Paul Lee. That's the kind of leadership you can't teach.
Watching the celebration afterward, I couldn't help but feel emotional seeing Reyes embrace his teammates. There were tears in his eyes as he told reporters, "We're tired of almost making it. We're done with what-ifs." That statement hit home for me because I've followed his career since his college days, and I've seen him struggle through injuries and setbacks. There was that ACL tear in 2018 that kept him out for nearly a full season, and many wondered if he'd ever return to form. Last night proved not only that he's back, but that he's better than ever.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to finish. San Miguel started strong, ending the first quarter with a 28-22 lead behind Fajardo's dominant inside presence. But Magnolia adjusted beautifully in the second quarter, switching to a zone defense that disrupted San Miguel's rhythm. By halftime, Magnolia had clawed back to take a slim 51-49 lead. The third quarter saw multiple lead changes - I counted at least seven - before Magnolia started pulling away in the final period.
What makes this championship particularly sweet for long-time fans like myself is how this team has evolved. I remember watching them struggle through rebuilding phases, trading key players, and experimenting with different coaching strategies. Coach Chito Victolero has done an incredible job developing this squad over the past three seasons. His decision to stick with Reyes through his recovery period is paying off in ways nobody could have predicted.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric, especially during those final minutes. I've attended my fair share of PBA games over the years, but last night's crowd was something else. Every possession felt monumental, every basket celebrated like it was the game-winner. When the final buzzer sounded, the roar was deafening. I've never seen so many grown men crying tears of joy in one place - and I'll admit, I might have gotten a little misty-eyed myself.
Looking ahead, this championship could mark the beginning of a new era for Magnolia. With Reyes just entering his prime at 27 years old and surrounded by a solid supporting cast, this team has the potential to build a dynasty. They've got young talent like Calvin Abueva who's only 25, and veterans like Marc Barroca providing steady leadership. If they can keep this core together, I wouldn't be surprised to see them competing for championships for years to come.
As I left the sports bar last night, I couldn't stop thinking about that post-game interview where Reyes talked about turning "what-ifs" into "what's next." That mentality shift is what separates good teams from championship teams. They're no longer wondering about missed opportunities - they're focused on what they can achieve moving forward. And based on what I saw last night, the future looks incredibly bright for this Magnolia squad. This isn't just another championship - it feels like the start of something special, and I feel privileged to have witnessed it unfold.
