Reliving PBA All Filipino Cup 2018: Top Highlights and Championship Moments
I still remember the electricity in the air during that 2018 PBA All-Filipino Cup—the kind of basketball atmosphere that makes your hair stand on end. As someone who’s followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, I can confidently say that this particular championship run by San Miguel Beermen was one for the books. It wasn’t just about June Mar Fajardo’s dominance or the team’s legacy; it was about moments when role players stepped into the spotlight and shifted the entire series. Let me take you back to Game 4, a match that, in my view, perfectly encapsulated why San Miguel’s depth made them nearly unstoppable.
What stood out to me most was how San Miguel managed to distribute scoring so effectively. Jericho Cruz, often flying under the radar in discussions about the team’s stars, exploded for 23 points that night. I recall watching him slice through TNT’s defense with a mix of fearless drives and clutch outside shots—it felt like he was everywhere at once. But here’s the thing: it wasn’t a one-man show. Cruz’s performance seamlessly complemented June Mar Fajardo and Cjay Perez, who together formed this relentless offensive trio. I’ve always believed that championship teams have at least one unsung hero, and in that game, Cruz embodied that role. His energy seemed to lift everyone around him, and when you add contributions from Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, and Juami Tiongson—who combined for 33 points—you start to see why TNT was scrambling. I remember thinking, "If San Miguel keeps getting this kind of firepower from multiple sources, they’re not just winning games; they’re demoralizing opponents."
The way San Miguel’s bench contributed wasn’t just a fluke—it felt strategic, almost poetic. Trollano, for instance, brought this gritty, under-the-radar intensity, while Lassiter’s shooting stretched the floor in ways that opened lanes for everyone else. Tiongson? He was the steady hand, making smart plays when it mattered. Watching them, I couldn’t help but draw parallels to great teams of the past, where depth trumped sheer star power. And honestly, that’s what made the 2018 All-Filipino Cup so compelling. It wasn’t just about Fajardo imposing his will; it was about how the entire roster clicked at the right time. I’ve seen plenty of teams rely too heavily on one or two players, only to crumble under pressure. But San Miguel? They built an avalanche, and by Game 4, you could sense TNT’s frustration mounting. The numbers tell part of the story—Cruz’s 23 points, the bench’s 33—but the intangibles, like chemistry and timing, were what sealed it for me.
As the series progressed, that Game 4 performance became a blueprint for San Miguel’s championship mindset. I remember discussing with fellow analysts how TNT, despite their talent, seemed unprepared for this kind of balanced assault. It’s one thing to game-plan for Fajardo; it’s another to account for Cruz going off or Trollano hitting timely baskets. In my experience, that’s the hallmark of a truly great team—they force you to defend every inch of the court. And let’s be real: when role players shine this bright, it’s not just a trend; it’s a statement. San Miguel’s ability to rally multiple scorers didn’t just win them a game; it set the tone for the rest of the finals. Looking back, I’d argue that this depth is what ultimately secured their title, proving that in basketball, as in life, it’s often the collective effort that outshines individual brilliance.
Reflecting on the 2018 PBA All-Filipino Cup now, it’s clear that San Miguel’s victory was built on moments like these—where unsung heroes stepped up and changed the game’s trajectory. For me, that’s the beauty of sports: the unpredictability, the rise of players like Jericho Cruz, and the way a team’s depth can become its greatest weapon. As fans, we might remember the trophy lifts and the final scores, but it’s these highlights—the 23-point games, the combined 33-point efforts—that truly define a championship journey. And if there’s one lesson from that series, it’s that in basketball, everyone has a role, and when they play it to perfection, magic happens.
