San Miguel Beer extends lead to 3-1 in PBA finals, Cruz scores 23 points

San Miguel Beer extended their lead to 3-1 in the PBA Philippine Cup finals after winning Game 4 against TNT by a score of 105-91 on Sunday, July 20, at Mall of Asia Arena.

Jericho Cruz led San Miguel with a series-best 23 points and three rebounds off the bench, contributing significantly to their victory and sweetening June Mar Fajardo's Best Player of the Conference award.

Coach Leo Austria emphasized that despite a controversial Game 1 loss, the team's comeback was driven by strong performances from the bench and efficient playmaking, with Cruz’s timely shooting preventing San Miguel from squandering a double-digit lead.

San Miguel now holds three chances to clinch the series with Game 5 set for Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum as they inch closer to their 30th PBA title while dealing TNT another blow to its Grand Slam dreams.

Fajardo secured his second Best Player of the Conference trophy in the league's 49th season, extending his record number of MVP awards after winning based on strong play and San Miguel’s return to playoff success.