June Mar Fajardo recently reminded everyone he’s still the eight-time MVP even when not fully healthy. San Miguel hopes he will be in top form anew as the Beermen tackle Ginebra in the crucial Game 5 of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals.
With the series tied and momentum swinging back in their favor, June Mar Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen look to seize control of the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals when they battle Barangay Ginebra in Game 5 on Friday, July 4.
The match starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
[RELATED STORY: Injured SMB ace June Mar Fajardo still too much for Ginebra in Game 4 of PBA semis]
Coming off a commanding 107-82 rout in Game 4, San Miguel showed what it looks like when its system hums—and when their cornerstone is back in the mix.
Playing through a lingering right calf injury, Fajardo delivered a vintage effort with 12 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, and two steals, providing the presence and poise that had been sorely missed in earlier games.
“Nandoon na,” the eight-time MVP said when asked if he was close to 100 percent.
With the series now a best-of-three, the Beermen have a chance to move within one win of returning to the Finals—a stage they last graced in this conference in 2024 before falling to Meralco.
But coach Leo Austria knows better than to let their foot off the gas.
Ginebra has a reputation for rising when counted out, and with stars like RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, and Jamie Malonzo, the Gin Kings are expected to punch back hard.
For now, though, it’s San Miguel that holds the upper hand—and with Fajardo inching closer to full strength, the Beermen are peaking at just the right time.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]