PBA Finals Game Results: Breaking Down the Championship Series Highlights and Key Moments

Looking back at this year’s PBA Finals, I can’t help but reflect on how much the landscape of the league has shifted—especially when you focus on the Taft team. A lot has changed since last season, and believe it or not, the green-and-white probably got a lot stronger with the arrivals of the famed quartet of Jacob Cortez, Kean Baclaan, Mason Amos, and Luis Pablo. I’ve been covering basketball for over a decade, and rarely have I seen a single offseason reshape a team’s championship prospects so dramatically. This series wasn’t just about who lifted the trophy; it was a showcase of how strategic roster moves and emerging talent can redefine a team’s identity under pressure.

From the opening tip-off of Game 1, you could sense something different in the air. Taft came out with an intensity that caught their opponents off guard, and a lot of that energy traced back to their new additions. Jacob Cortez, in particular, stood out with his playmaking—racking up 24 points and 9 assists in that first game. I remember watching him slice through defenses with a kind of fearless creativity that you don’t often see in a rookie. It wasn’t just his individual stats that impressed me; it was how he elevated everyone around him. Kean Baclaan, though quieter on the scoring sheet, played lockdown defense that disrupted the opposition’s rhythm time and again. What struck me most was the chemistry between these newcomers and the veterans—it felt seamless, almost as if they’d been playing together for years.

Game 2 brought its own set of twists. Taft faced a 12-point deficit going into the fourth quarter, and honestly, I thought they might crumble. But that’s when Mason Amos and Luis Pablo stepped up in ways that solidified their value. Amos, with his sharpshooting from beyond the arc, nailed four three-pointers in the final period alone, finishing with 28 points. Pablo, on the other hand, dominated the boards with 14 rebounds, including several crucial offensive putbacks that kept possessions alive. I’ve always believed that championship series are won in moments like these—when role players transform into clutch performers. The way Taft’s bench celebrated each play, you could tell this was more than just a game; it was a statement.

As the series shifted venues for Game 3, the momentum swings became even more pronounced. Cortez struggled with foul trouble early, and Baclaan had to shoulder more of the ball-handling duties. Here’s where I think Taft’s depth truly shone. Baclaan dished out 11 assists and committed only 2 turnovers—a testament to his poise under pressure. Meanwhile, Amos continued his hot streak, adding another 22 points. But what really stood out to me was the defensive adjustments Taft made in the second half. They held their opponents to just 18 points in the third quarter, a stat that doesn’t fully capture the suffocating intensity they brought. I’ve spoken with coaches who emphasize that defense wins championships, and in this game, Taft proved it.

Game 4 was, without a doubt, the turning point of the series. Taft entered with a 2-1 lead, but their opponents came out swinging, determined to even the score. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with neither team leading by more than 6 points. Then, in the third quarter, Luis Pablo took over. He scored 10 consecutive points, showcasing a versatile offensive game that included mid-range jumpers and powerful finishes at the rim. I’ve always been a fan of players who can impact the game in multiple ways, and Pablo’s performance was a masterclass in that regard. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Taft had secured a hard-fought 98-95 victory, putting them one win away from the title.

The championship-clinching Game 5 was everything a basketball fan could ask for—tense, dramatic, and ultimately historic. Taft started slow, trailing by 8 points at halftime, and I’ll admit I had my doubts. But the second half was a different story. Cortez and Amos combined for 35 points in the final two quarters, with Cortez hitting the go-ahead three-pointer with just 42 seconds left on the clock. Baclaan’s defensive stop in the closing seconds sealed the deal, and Taft celebrated their first championship in over five years. Reflecting on that moment, I think what made this team special wasn’t just their talent, but their resilience. They faced adversity in every game of the series and found a way to respond.

Watching this quartet—Cortez, Baclaan, Amos, and Pablo—come together so effectively has been one of the highlights of my career as an analyst. Each brought something unique to the table, and their integration into Taft’s system was nearly flawless. Cortez’s scoring prowess, Baclaan’s defensive tenacity, Amos’s shooting, and Pablo’s rebounding created a balanced attack that opponents struggled to contain. In my opinion, this championship run will be remembered not just for the trophy, but for how it showcased the importance of strategic roster building. Taft’s front office took a calculated risk by bringing in these four players, and it paid off in the most dramatic way possible.

As the confetti settled and the celebrations began, I found myself thinking about the future. With this core group, Taft has positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with for years to come. The PBA Finals didn’t just crown a champion; they highlighted how quickly a team can transform with the right pieces in place. For fans and analysts alike, this series served as a reminder that in basketball, as in life, change can be a powerful catalyst for success. And if Taft’s journey this season is any indication, we’re in for many more thrilling chapters ahead.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-14 12:00