Reliving the PBA All Filipino Cup 2018: Top 5 Unforgettable Moments and Highlights

Looking back at the 2018 PBA All Filipino Cup, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia mixed with pure basketball excitement. As someone who’s followed the league for years, that season was something special—not just because of the high stakes, but because of the sheer unpredictability and heart shown on the court. The way teams battled, especially San Miguel and TNT, left us with moments that still get talked about today. I remember thinking at the time that this wasn’t just another tournament; it felt like a turning point, a showcase of depth and resilience that you don’t always see in every season. In this piece, I want to walk you through my top five unforgettable moments from that cup, focusing on the plays and players that defined the action. Trust me, if you missed it live, you’ll wish you hadn’t.

One of the standout memories for me was Game 4 of the finals, where San Miguel truly demonstrated what team basketball is all about. I’ve always admired teams that don’t rely solely on one superstar, and this game was a masterclass in that. Jericho Cruz, often flying under the radar, exploded for 23 points, stepping up in a way that caught everyone off guard. I mean, you had June Mar Fajardo and Cjay Perez doing their usual damage, but Cruz’s performance was the spark that lit the fire. Then there were Don Trollano, Marcio Lassiter, and Juami Tiongson combining for another 33 points—just relentless offensive pressure. Watching that, I couldn’t help but think, if San Miguel keeps this up, with multiple players dropping points like it’s nothing, TNT is in serious trouble. It wasn’t just about the numbers; it was the timing and the confidence they showed. That kind of balanced attack is rare, and it’s what separates good teams from champions.

Another moment that sticks with me is the sheer intensity of the semifinals, where defense and clutch shooting took center stage. I recall one particular play where Lassiter hit a three-pointer in the dying seconds, a shot that felt like it hung in the air forever before swishing through the net. The crowd went wild, and I remember jumping off my couch—it was that kind of electric. What made it unforgettable wasn’t just the shot itself, but the buildup: the way TNT had clawed back, only to have San Miguel respond with cold-blooded execution. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love this sport; the emotional rollercoaster is just unmatched. And let’s not forget the stats: Lassiter ended that game with 18 points, but it was his efficiency from beyond the arc, hitting 4 of 7 attempts, that really stood out. In my view, that’s the mark of a veteran player who knows how to deliver when it counts.

Then there’s the underdog story of the tournament, which for me revolves around the emergence of role players stepping into the spotlight. Take Juami Tiongson, for example—he’s not always the first name you think of, but in Game 4, his contribution was crucial. He chipped in with 11 points, and it wasn’t just about scoring; his defensive hustle and playmaking added a layer of depth that San Miguel desperately needed. I’ve always had a soft spot for players like him, the ones who do the dirty work and then surprise you with a big bucket. Combined with Trollano’s 12 points and Lassiter’s 10, it showed that San Miguel had a bench that could compete with anyone. From a strategic perspective, that’s huge—it forces opponents to prepare for multiple threats, not just one or two stars. Honestly, I think that depth was a key reason they had so much success in that cup, and it’s a lesson other teams should take to heart.

Of course, no discussion of the 2018 All Filipino Cup would be complete without mentioning the individual brilliance of June Mar Fajardo. As a fan, I’ve watched him dominate for years, but in this tournament, he seemed to elevate his game even further. In one of the early rounds, he put up a monster double-double with 28 points and 15 rebounds, just controlling the paint like only he can. What impressed me most, though, was how he facilitated others; he wasn’t just scoring, he was drawing double-teams and kicking it out to open shooters. That unselfishness is what makes great players legendary, in my opinion. Pair that with Cjay Perez’s consistent output—I’d estimate he averaged around 16 points per game in the finals—and you have a duo that’s nearly impossible to stop. Reflecting on it now, I believe Fajardo’s leadership was the glue that held everything together, especially when the pressure was at its peak.

Wrapping it all up, the 2018 PBA All Filipino Cup was more than just a series of games; it was a narrative of teamwork, clutch performances, and strategic depth that left a lasting impact. From Cruz’s breakout game to Fajardo’s dominance, each moment contributed to a story that’s still worth reliving. As I look back, I’m struck by how those highlights remind us that basketball is a team sport at its core, and when multiple players step up, magic happens. If you ask me, that’s the biggest takeaway—not just for fans, but for anyone in the sport. It’s why I keep coming back to these memories, and why I think this cup will be talked about for years to come.