MANILA, Philippines – After a 105-91 thrashing of TNT Tropang 5G in Game 4 of the PBA Season 49 finals, the San Miguel Beermen came shockingly close to recovering the Philippine Cup. The victory at Pasay City’s SM Mall of Asia Arena gave San Miguel a 3-1 series lead, putting them within striking distance of their 28th league title.

With veteran center June Mar Fajardo, who had just won a record-extending 12th Best Player of the Conference title, orchestrating his signature impact on both ends of the floor, the momentum had turned in San Miguel’s favor. Fajardo had a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds to help his team dominate the paint and take the lead early on.

The shooting skills of Jericho Cruz and CJ Perez complemented Fajardo’s efforts. In the fourth quarter, Cruz scored 11 points to spark an 11-2 rally, and he finished with 23 points overall. Cruz made 5 of 7 three-point attempts. San Miguel’s advantage was cemented by that surge, which extended the lead to 92-82. With 16 points, including the game-winning shots that ended any possibility of a comeback by TNT, Perez added another layer of scoring.

San Miguel’s defensive strategy was able to limit the rough play of TNT. The Beermen dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 24 points to 12 as they stifled the Tropang 5G’s offensive rhythm and prevented collector points during transition. With this performance, the squad extended its winning streak in the series to three games, following victories in Games 2 (98-92) and 3 (108-88).

The players kept up their intensity even with the advantage intact, which led to plaudits for head coach Leo Austria’s plan of sustained pressure and rotation flexibility. In the first half, Kyle Williams and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser combined for 23 points, but the Beermen’s balanced offense—in which eight players scored in double figures at various points—helped to negate that threat.

The staffing situation at TNT Tropang 5G is a major concern. Injuries have kept forward Rey Nambatac and guard Jayson Castro out of action, and center Poy Erram had little to no impact in his return from a one-game absence. The team’s depth was a problem, according to TNT head coach Chot Reyes, who acknowledged that playing Jordan Heading in a different position, for example, caused mistakes and slowed down the offense.

Despite this, TNT had its moments, most notably in the first half as Heading scored 23 points and Williams scored 14 points off of efficient shooting from beyond the arc. San Miguel’s coordinated play and relentless rebounds, however, were too much for their bids.

On Wednesday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, San Miguel will play Game 5, where they will have an opportunity to seal the series. Their recent play indicates they want to get the job done quickly, whereas TNT needs to make some tweaks and step up their offensive game if they want to prolong their Grand Slam aspirations.

The depth and leadership of the Beermen have been important in their season-long supremacy. Bench stalwarts Moala Tautuaa, Chris Ross, and Don Trollano reliably provide a spark during crucial times, and Fajardo maintains his double-double averaging and board-controlling ways. Particularly in Game 4, Ross took on a supporting role, providing perimeter solidity and energy and displaying the seasoned unity that supports San Miguel’s championship aspirations.

Equally important has been defense. The Beermen have won games on multiple occasions by utilizing their strategy of crashing inside, contesting shots, and winning the battle for rebounds. As a culmination of their all-out effort in Game 4, San Miguel controlled the glass and scored baskets off of turnovers.

In order to spark a comeback as San Miguel searches for the finishing blow, TNT will require contributions from sources outside of its core. Younger guards and forwards will need to step up and help the Tropang 5G find scoring consistency while important guys continue to heal. Crucial will be their capacity to counter Fajardo’s defensive adjustments and reduce San Miguel’s rebounding edge.

The stakes are high in Game 5: San Miguel has a chance to mathematically win the championship, and TNT has a chance to extend a suddenly fragile series and save their Grand Slam shot.