Raymond Alamazan and the rest of the Meralco bigs were not able to contain June Mar Fajardo, who came through with a new season-high of 38 points in Game 5 of the PBA Philippine Cup finals just two days after making the record with 28.
To say that the job of defending San Miguel seven-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo is not easy is an understatement.
Almazan has taken the impossible task of taming “The Kraken” anew with fellow Bolts frontcourt Brandon Bates, Norbert Torres and Kyle Pascual in the ongoing PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup Finals.
But Fajardo, also a 10-time Best Player of the Conference, still went on to drop 38 points and 18 rebounds despite the Meralco bigs' efforts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday, June 14.
Bong Quinto, Raymond Almazan and Brandon Bates execute Meralco's defensive plan against San Miguel behemoth June Mar Fajardo. | Photo (c) Sherwin Vardeleon
But while the Cebuano behemoth clicked offensively, converting 82 percent of his field goals, it was the opposite for the rest of the Beermen who struggled with a combined 16-for-57 clip or 28 percent.
In the end, the pivotal Game 5 victory went to the Bolts, 92-88.
[ALSO READ: 'Hindi namin basta-bastang ibibigay': June Mar Fajardo unfazed despite San Miguel's precarious position in PBA Finals vs. Meralco]
That is why Almazan is taking the bad with the good.
After all, Meralco moved on the threshold of a breakthrough title after going up 3-2 in a best-of-seven finals series for the first time.
“OK kami doon if we get the win. It doesn’t matter [that Fajardo scored 38], 'di ba?” said the reed-thin slotman.
Almazan did his part on the scoring department as well, atoning for a woeful two-point showing in Game 4 by churning out 14 this time. He also collared four rebounds, including three offensive boards.
But the Bolts' goal does not end with their recent victory.
Meralco's Raymond Almazan holds his ground against June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel. | Photo (c) Sherwin Vardeleon
Though they found themselves in an unbelievable position to win their first title, Alamazan and the rest of the crew brace for a furious rally from the mighty San Miguel on Sunday, June 16.
“Panalo kami, but we’re not happy with this kasi 'di pa namin nakukuha 'yung gusto namin,” said Almazan.
[ALSO READ: Players Gonna Play: San Miguel's Mo Tautuaa proclaims to be the very best, like no one ever was]
Meralco looks to etch a slice of history when Game 6 unfurls at 6:15 p.m. in the same Cubao venue.