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The humid air in Montalban felt heavy with anticipation that evening, almost as heavy as the disappointment I sensed when I heard about Smith’s reaction. I remember leaning against the railing, watching the court being prepped, thinking how ironic it was—the most sought-after import in the league, arriving with so much hype, only to be hit with bad news moments after stepping into the venue. Smith later admitted she was let down, and honestly, who wouldn’t be? That moment set the tone for what would become one of the most talked-about games this season: the PBA clash between Ginebra and San Miguel.

I’ve followed these teams for years, and let me tell you, this wasn’t just another match. It felt personal, like two giants refusing to back down. From the first whistle, you could feel the intensity—Ginebra’s fast breaks, San Miguel’s relentless defense. By halftime, the score was tight, 48-46 in favor of San Miguel, but you knew it was far from over. Smith’s early frustration seemed to fuel her, and she started sinking threes like it was nothing. But San Miguel? They had their own arsenal. I lost count of how many times the lead changed hands in the third quarter alone.

Then came the fourth quarter—the kind of drama you live for as a fan. With just two minutes left, Ginebra was down by four, and the crowd was on its feet. Smith drove to the basket, drew a foul, and sank both free throws. 92-90. My heart was pounding; I’ve seen comebacks before, but this one felt different. San Miguel responded with a three-pointer, and for a second, I thought it was over. But Ginebra? They never give up. A quick layup, a steal, and suddenly we’re tied at 95-95 with 10 seconds on the clock. The final play was messy, chaotic—just the way I like it—and when the buzzer sounded, San Miguel had snatched it, 98-95.

Looking back, the Score PBA Ginebra vs San Miguel final results tell only part of the story. Sure, the numbers matter—Smith finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds, and San Miguel’s star player dropped 30—but it’s the emotions that stick with you. Smith’s initial letdown, that raw admission of disappointment, made her performance even more compelling. It’s why I love this game; it’s not just about who wins or loses, but about how players rise from setbacks. Personally, I think Ginebra could’ve pulled it off with a bit more composure in the last minute, but hey, that’s just my take. If you missed this one, you missed a classic—a reminder that in basketball, as in life, the unexpected often steals the show.