The San Miguel Beermen can always rely on "The Kraken" June Mar Fajardo in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Bothered by a foot issue, June Mar Fajardo was only cleared to play on the eve of San Miguel’s Nov. 2 match against Converge in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Fajardo, who was initially worried about his injury, made the most of his time on the court, submitting 15 points, eight rebounds, two assists and a block in just the first 24 minutes of play.
He then finished with his usual double-double numbers of 24 points and 16 rebounds on top of four assists and two blocks as the Beermen fended off the FiberXers, 96-90.
"Kailangang-kailangan namin 'yong panalong ‘to. Crucial sa'min. Mahirap 'pag natalo kami. Eh, goal naming makapasok sa Top 4,” said the 6-foot-10 slotman.
San Miguel, coming off a win over Ginebra in Dubai, improved its mark to 3-2 for joint fifth with Converge.
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Fajardo squares off with rising big men Arana, Baltazar
Fajardo knew he had to be at his best, knowing it’s a crucial match against early favorite FiberXers, who boast of two rising big men in Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar.
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After besting Arana (19-10) and Baltazar (14-19) and leading his team to their third straight triumph, Fajardo, as per usual, did not make it about himself.
“Credit din sa mga teammates ko, nag-step up lahat ng mga ipinasok ni coach. Si Juami (Tiongson), pati ang mga bench namin. Si Mo (Tautuaa), Rodney (Brondial), si Kris Rosales, pati 'yong isang Chris (Miller) pa namin, 'yong rookie,” Fajardo said.
“Lahat kami nag-step up. Sana madala namin sa next game namin kasi mabigat ang kalaban namin.”
Fajardo and the rest of the Beermen will next take on co-leader Magnolia (4-1) at the Ynares Center in Montalban Friday, Nov. 7.
The match will be the 7:30 p.m. main game of a double-header that also features the Hotshots' fellow pacesetter TNT (4-1) and hapless Terrafirma (1-4).
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.