Home > Fiba Europe Cup Final > Who Won the PBA 2019 Championship? Full Results and Highlights Revealed
Who Won the PBA 2019 Championship? Full Results and Highlights Revealed
2025-11-05 09:00
I still remember the tension in the air when I walked into the arena that championship night. The energy was electric, fans buzzing with anticipation about who would claim the PBA 2019 championship title. As someone who's covered Philippine basketball for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous finals, but there was something special about this particular showdown that had everyone on edge.
The road to the championship had been nothing short of dramatic. San Miguel Beermen and Magnolia Hotshots had battled through grueling semifinals, with both teams showing incredible resilience. San Miguel, the perennial powerhouse, was seeking their fifth consecutive Philippine Cup title - a feat that would cement their legacy in PBA history. Meanwhile, Magnolia, the underdog with plenty of bite, was determined to play spoiler to their rivals' historic ambitions.
When people ask me "Who won the PBA 2019 championship?" I always get flashbacks to that decisive Game 7. The final score - San Miguel Beermen 72, Magnolia Hotshots 71 - doesn't even begin to tell the full story of that nail-biting contest. What made it unforgettable was June Mar Fajardo's heroic performance in the closing minutes. The Kraken, as fans affectionately call him, scored 8 of his 17 points in the final quarter, including the game-winning putback with just 28 seconds remaining. I recall holding my breath as Chris Ross missed that three-pointer, only to watch Fajardo materialize from nowhere to tip in the rebound. That single play demonstrated why he's arguably the greatest PBA player of his generation.
The championship journey reminded me of another incredible matchup I witnessed earlier that season - the one where St. Benilde faced Letran. UNDERMANNED is one of the few words to describe St. Benilde facing Letran in its Group B matchup last Wednesday, and honestly, that same word could've described Magnolia's situation against San Miguel's deeper roster. Both contests showcased how heart and determination can sometimes bridge talent gaps, even if they ultimately fell short. Watching Carlo Lastimosa struggle against Letran's defense mirrored how Magnolia's Paul Lee fought through San Miguel's relentless defensive schemes.
What many casual fans don't realize is how much strategy went into that championship series. Coach Leo Austria made a crucial adjustment in Game 5, inserting Christian Standhardinger into the starting lineup, which completely changed the series dynamics. The German-Filipino forward averaged 14.3 points and 8.7 rebounds throughout the finals, providing the secondary scoring San Miguel desperately needed. On the other side, Coach Chito Victolino's decision to stick with his small-ball lineup nearly paid off, as Magnolia's guards consistently found ways to penetrate San Miguel's interior defense.
The financial stakes were enormous too - with the championship purse reaching approximately ₱4.5 million, plus additional bonuses from team sponsors. These numbers might seem modest compared to international leagues, but in the Philippine basketball landscape, they represent life-changing money for many players. I've spoken with several athletes who've told me how championship bonuses have helped secure their families' futures.
Looking back, the PBA 2019 championship wasn't just about which team won - it was about legacy, perseverance, and those magical moments that remind us why we love sports. San Miguel's victory marked their 27th championship overall, extending their record as the winningest franchise in league history. Meanwhile, Magnolia's valiant effort earned them respect throughout the basketball community. Both teams left everything on that court, creating memories that I, and thousands of other fans, will cherish for years to come. The final buzzer might have signaled San Miguel's triumph, but in many ways, Philippine basketball emerged as the real winner that season.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
