Behind Chris Ross and June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel is now on the front foot in its clash with TNT for the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup crown.
When push comes to shove in the playoffs, San Miguel can always count on veterans June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross.
Fajardo and Ross have been taking up the cudgels for the Beermen three games into the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup Finals.
“Everybody was inspired by what these two guys are doing, not only in scoring, but also in defending,” said SMB coach Leo Austria, whose team now leads the best-of-seven series, 2-1.
The duo's desire to win, even after winning 10 championships together, was none more evident in the Beermen's 108-88 win in Game 3 Friday, July 18.
Fajardo dominated the paint with 33 points and 11 rebounds, while Ross bullied the Tropang 5G on the defensive end while also producing 15 points, six rebounds and a steal.
“Of course, June Mar is a very experienced player when it comes to the playoffs. He wants to win. Everyone wants to win,” said Austria of Fajardo.
[WATCH: June Mar Fajardo unleashes 'The Kraken' in Game 3 of Finals | PBA Highlights]
Chris Ross displays his veteran smarts in the PBA Finals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
The four-time PBA Coach of the Year went on to heap praise on the 40-year-old Ross, who is playing as though he’s still a rookie.
“His leadership is really amazing. Magugulat kayo kung papaano siya maglaro ngayon in spite doon sa alam ninyo na. Pero age doesn’t matter,” said Austria.
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Austria will continue to rely on his prized wards as the Beermen look to inch closer to a 30th PBA championship overall in Game 4.
The match is slated Sunday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.