Tim Cone, Japeth Aguilar brace for a tough PBA semifinal showdown vs. San Miguel

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beermen are undoubtedly two of the biggest and most popular teams in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), and their fans are set for a blockbuster clash as the two sides face off in the semifinals of the Philippine Cup.

Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone admitted during a pre-game press conference that they are bracing for a tough semifinal series—one that could prove to be a long and grueling challenge for both him and his team.

“That’s the runway we have been given, and that’s the runway we have to go through. They are still the old San Miguel team. That team is completely different with an import and without an import. It’s just going to be a hard series for us—no doubt about it.

But that’s why we play the game. If it’s easy, we’re probably not going to be excited to play all the time. The hardest games make the sport more exciting. We’re going to use that and see what we can do,” Cone said.

Barangay Ginebra enters the semifinal series knowing that the last time they faced San Miguel was during the Governors’ Cup semifinals, where they cruised past their opponents 4–2 to advance to the finals. This marks the second semifinal encounter between the two teams this season.

San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo is on track for a 12th PBA Best Player of the Conference award, leading the statistical race after the Philippine Cup elimination round. | Mark Escarlote, photo courtesy of PBA#JuneMarFajardo #DailyTribune #PBA pic.twitter.com/HlI7Tze4CQ

— Daily Tribune (@tribunephl) June 19, 2025

Cone also emphasized the importance of limiting the influence of San Miguel star and PBA legend June Mar Fajardo, who continues to dominate with averages of 20.1 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game through 12 games in the tournament. The 35-year-old center is currently the frontrunner for a record 12th Best Player of the Conference award, leading the statistical points at the end of the elimination round.

“It doesn’t get any easier for Japeth. It doesn’t get any easier for us. We have to get through him to have a chance to win the championship,” Cone added.

Barangay Ginebra’s star veteran center Japeth Aguilar echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying it will take a collective effort to contain Fajardo.

“I can’t explain how hard it is to play against June Mar. Look at him—he’s amazing, running for Best Player of the Conference again, carrying his team. It’s going to be tough, but it’s always a collective effort. I’ve got to do my role, got to do my job. It’s all teamwork, but it’s going to be hard,” Aguilar stated.

It won’t be easy for Ginebra, as in addition to Fajardo, they’ll also have to contend with the likes of CJ Perez, Don Trollano, and Juami Tiongson, who are all performing at their peak. Moala Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial provide valuable support in the frontcourt, while seasoned veterans Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter remain key contributors for San Miguel.

The best-of-seven semifinal series promises to be a thrilling showdown, with Game 1 scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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