June Mar Fajardo dropped his first triple-double in the PBA, and the San Miguel Beermen roared to a fifth straight win in the Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Nov. 12.
San Miguel behemoth June Mar Fajardo dribbled left, carefully reading Titan Ultra’s defense before feeding Andreas Cahilig for a three late in the third period.
That was Fajardo’s 10th assist Wednesday, Nov. 12, which officially gave him his first career triple-double in the ongoing PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Though he no longer saw action in the fourth period, the nine-time Most Valuable Player has already completed his impressive tally — which included 12 points and 12 rebounds — in the Beermen’s 158-117 annihilation of the Giant Risers in a game that seemed already decided at halftime.
[RELATED STORY: PBA: Cjay Perez sizzles early as San Miguel rips Titan Ultra]
“He’s not looking to score anymore. He’s looking to assist. Maybe, napansin niyang malapit na siyang mag-triple double. Nakuha niya ang triple-double. It’s another record for him,” SMB coach Leo Austria said of his prized big man's latest feat.
[ALSO READ: Ramon Fernandez believes June Mar Fajardo is bound to win one more PBA MVP award]
June Mar Fajardo steals show, but win a team effort for San Miguel
But Austria was quick to say San Miguel’s five consecutive wins were a result of the team’s collective effort.
After all, it was Cjay Perez who led all scorers with 26 points, including a whopping 24 in the first half, where the Beermen imposed their might against the helpless Giant Risers, 79-38.
Jericho Cruz scored 24 points, Don Trollano had 20 and Jeron Teng added 15 for the streaking Beermen.
June Mar Fajardo keeps writing records in his career. | Photo: PBA Images
“Overall, it’s a team effort. If you notice, tambak ang first group namin sa second group,” said Austria.
SMB's bench players outperformed its starters, 107 to 51.
Titan Ultra, eager to follow up on its victory over Blackwater the last time out, could not enjoy more time in the winning column and returned to its hapless state.
It tied Phoenix, which earlier won versus Terrafirma, at ninth at 2-5.
The Giant Risers could not bother the relentless Beermen throughout the match despite Von Pessumal's 21 points on three four-pointers, Joshua Munzon's 20 and Calvin Abueva's 16-10 showing.
San Miguel vs. Titan Scores:
San Miguel 158 – Perez 26, Cruz 24, Trollano 20, Teng 15, Fajardo 12, Cahilig 11, Calma 9, Miller 6, Brondial 6, Tiongson 4, Lassiter 3, Mantua 2
Titan Ultra 117– Pessumal 21, Munzon 20, Abueva 16, Cuntapay 15, Balanza 10, Ular 10, Dionisio 7, Yu 5, Martinez 5, Barasi 4, Melecio 3, Monje 1, Ambohot 0
Quarterscores: 36-24, 79-38, 121-78, 158-117
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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.