MANILA, Philippines – After the San Miguel Beermen won the PBA Philippine Cup and ended TNT Tropang Giga with a 107-96 victory in Game 6 at the Philsports Arena, Jericho Cruz concluded a tenacious finals series with his first career Finals MVP title. The Finals MVP award was an unexpected but welcome bonus for the seasoned guard, even if winning the championship was his main objective.

Cruz finished a strong series with averages of roughly 13.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, including 13 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the game that decided the championship. He received full approval from PBA Press Corps members for his overall bench performance, which included a spectacular 40 percent shooting clip from beyond the arc. He even outperformed league legend June Mar Fajardo for the award.

For Cruz, the series itself had been a breakthrough. He improved his play in Games 3 through 6 after putting up poor showings in Games 1 and 2, helping San Miguel control crucial stretches. His contribution helped the Beermen gain momentum in Game 3, which was the pivotal moment. Cruz’s postseason was defined by his in-the-trenches consistency and competitiveness.

The MVP honor was unexpected for Cruz, a ten-year veteran. He didn’t expect individual praise because he had long concentrated on helping his team win championships. However, he was appreciative of the recognition, viewing it as confirmation of his dedication to the team’s success rather than his own accomplishments.

Perseverance is evident in his path to this point. Cruz, who was selected in the 2014 draft and played for a number of teams prior to joining San Miguel, has often filled in as a dependable substitute. Previously recognized for his vigor and hard work more than his ability to score goals, he successfully adjusted to a championship-caliber roster, making contributions under pressure without clamoring for attention.

Fajardo, who won his 12th Best Player of the Conference award, played brilliantly throughout San Miguel’s championship run. CJ Perez, Don Trollano, Moala Tautuaa, and other veterans also provided crucial support. Cruz’s Finals MVP award demonstrated that non-starters can also become series catalysts, adding another level of depth to the roster’s story.

After a fiercely contested Game 6 triumph in which San Miguel pulled away strongly in the third quarter, the award ceremony took place. Cruz scored nine points during that crucial third period, which fueled a 34–20 run that gave the Beermen a decisive advantage. The pivotal stretch that ultimately won the championship was aided by his composure at the arc and hesitation to turn the ball over.

Cruz’s presence has intangible worth beyond the numbers. He offered mental toughness, played with enthusiasm, created screens, and moved without the ball—qualities that motivated teammates and kept the Beermen moving forward in a grueling six-game series. The Finals MVP award recognized those less obvious aspects just as much as his obvious scoring.

The honor was not only a source of personal satisfaction but also a symbolic achievement. Cruz’s image as a clutch, seasoned contributor in high-stakes situations has been cemented with his official national recognition in the finals stage. Cruz led the charge as the Beermen won their eighth Philippine Cup in the previous ten years.

More broadly, this prize highlights San Miguel’s strategy of combining reliable role players with star power under coach Leo Austria. Cruz’s combination demonstrated a well-rounded strategy that prioritized team cohesiveness over individual brilliance, even though Fajardo supported the front line and Perez provided scoring bursts.

Cruz’s acknowledgment highlighted the difficulty presented by San Miguel’s depth for TNT Tropang Giga. The Tropang Giga put up a strong fight even though their lineup was severely weakened by the injuries to Jayson Castro, Rey Nambatac, Calvin Oftana, and Poy Erram. However, San Miguel’s entire lineup—including veteran players like Cruz who made important contributions—finally gave them the advantage they needed to prevent TNT from winning a rare Grand Slam.

Cruz might continue to gain momentum going forward when he plays for the national team. Although knee discomfort will influence his final decision, he is being considered for a position with Guam in the next FIBA Asia Cup. San Miguel, meanwhile, sees this finals campaign as a chance to regain their dominance in the PBA’s most prominent conference.

Cruz’s message is still quite clear: winning the championship was the main objective, and winning the Finals MVP award was just a bonus. But by doing both, he highlighted a season characterized by a focus on the team, reliable play, and the capacity to perform well under pressure.

There is more to Jericho Cruz’s Finals MVP tale than just a trophy. It’s evidence of tenacity, flexibility, and delivering when it counts most—a veteran receiving recognition for his contributions to a team’s championship journey rather than just for his own accolades.