6 Underdog Runs: Lowest-Seeded Teams to Reach the PBA Finals


The PBA Playoffs are known for thrilling upsets and unforgettable Cinderella runs. While top seeds usually dominate, there have been rare and electrifying moments when low-seeded teams defied expectations and charged all the way to the Finals.

From gritty wildcard battles to shocking victories over top-ranked teams, these six teams proved that heart, hustle, and belief can overcome any odds.

Here’s a look back at the lowest-seeded teams in PBA history to make it to the Finals — and in some cases, win it all.

1. 2002 Talk N Text Phone Pals – #7 Seed (Commissioner’s Cup)

  • Upset 2nd seed Sta. Lucia twice to erase their twice-to-beat disadvantage

  • Defeated 3rd seed Alaska in a grueling 5-game semifinal

  • Took a 3-2 lead in the Finals before falling to top-seeded Red Bull

Talk N Text’s 2002 run is the blueprint for underdog magic. They clawed their way past powerhouses with gutsy performances but ultimately fell short in the finals. Still, pushing Red Bull to 7 games as a 7th seed was a statement.

2. 2004 Barangay Ginebra Kings – #7 Seed (Fiesta Conference)


  • Beat 6th seed Sta. Lucia in the Wildcard Phase

  • Advanced via group stages

  • Defeated 4th seed Talk N Text in the semis

  • Won the championship over 5th seed Red Bull, 3-1

Barangay Ginebra’s 2004 run was nothing short of magical. This underdog story turned into a fairy tale finish, as the Kings climbed from the wildcard all the way to a historic championship victory, led by a never-say-die spirit that defines the Ginebra brand.

3. 2011–12 Powerade Tigers – #8 Seed (Philippine Cup)


  • Stunned top seed B-Meg by winning twice in the quarterfinals

  • Outlasted 5th seed Rain or Shine in a 7-game war in the semis

  • Fell to 2nd seed Talk N Text in the Finals, 4-1

As the lowest seed in playoff history to reach the Finals, the Powerade Tigers’ 2012 run remains one of the most unexpected and celebrated. Rookie phenom JVee Casio and scorer Gary David captured the nation’s attention with their fearless performances.

4. 2012–13 Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – #7 Seed (Commissioner’s Cup)


  • Beat #1 Rain or Shine twice in the quarterfinals

  • Took down 6th seed Talk N Text in a comeback 5-game series

  • Swept by Alaska in the Finals

Ginebra’s 2013 run brought back their “never say die” identity. Despite a Finals sweep, their journey was packed with resilience, including a dramatic quarterfinal shocker against the league’s top seed.

5. 2016–17 Barangay Ginebra San Miguel – #7 Seed (Philippine Cup)


  • Eliminated 2nd seed Alaska with back-to-back wins

  • Edged 3rd seed Star Hotshots in a 7-game thriller

  • Lost in the Finals to top seed San Miguel Beermen, 4-1

Once again, Ginebra showed its playoff pedigree by eliminating two higher seeds and pushing into the Finals. Their semifinal showdown with Star was one for the ages, highlighted by buzzer-beaters and last-second heroics.

6. 2019 San Miguel Beermen – #7 Seed (Commissioner’s Cup)


  • Shocked 2nd seed NorthPort in the quarters

  • Dispatched 6th seed Rain or Shine in the semis

  • Defeated top seed Talk N Text in the Finals, 4-2

In what might be the most impressive low-seed championship run, San Miguel’s 2019 Beermen took down the top three seeds in succession. With June Mar Fajardo and a veteran core, they made playoff history and showed why seeding doesn’t define champions.

🏀 Why These Runs Still Resonate

Each of these teams captured something that fans love — hope against the odds. Whether it was Ginebra’s passion, Powerade’s unpredictability, or San Miguel’s championship experience, these runs remind us that anything can happen in the PBA.

Common Traits of These Underdog Teams:

  • Resilience in the face of elimination

  • Momentum-building wins early in the playoffs

  • Strong veteran leadership or breakout stars

  • Crowd-fueled confidence, especially for Ginebra and Powerade


These lowest-seeded teams in PBA Finals history didn’t just upset opponents — they inspired millions. Their grit, determination, and fearless attitude continue to be celebrated and replayed by fans young and old.

So the next time your favorite team barely scrapes into the playoffs, remember: it's not about the seed — it's about the story.

Want more iconic moments in PBA history? Subscribe for deep dives, player features, and thrilling throwbacks from the league's most unforgettable seasons.

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