There’s just nothing that could stop San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo from dominating the paint as what everyone witnessed in his three latest games in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Although already in the twilight years of his career, June Mar Fajardo continues to impose his will in the PBA.
The San Miguel star is not done reaping awards and making history as he became just the first-ever local player to score three straight 20-20 games, according to the league's chief statistician, Fidel Mangonon.
[WATCH: San Miguel levels semis series with Ginebra in Game 2 | PBA Highlights]
This after the gentle giant from Pinamungajan, Cebu posted 21 points and 23 rebounds in the Beermen's 93-84 win over Ginebra in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
June Mar Fajardo's (left) San Miguel Beermen prevail over Norbert Torres and the rest of the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
In true JMF fashion, the Kraken elected to remain grounded.
“Kailangang kunin 'yong rebound, eh. Siyempre, gusto naming makuha yong panalo,” Fajardo said after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday, Jan. 7.
“Gusto rin namin 'yong goal naming makaabot sa finals. Gagawin ko 'yong best ko, kung anong maitutulong sa team.”
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His exploits began with a 26-point and 23-rebound effort against NLEX in the quarterfinals on Christmas Day.
Fajardo — who also became the first local with consecutive 20-20 games in 27 years after Tanduay rookie Eric Menk — put up 27 points and the same number of rebounds in the semifinals opener, but the Beermen bowed to the Gin Kings 99-90.
“Mahirap kasi ang depensa ng Ginebra, sobrang higpit. Tina-try ko 'yong best ko,” Fajardo said.
That is why San Miguel’s success this playoffs does not really hinge on him, according to the nine-time Most Valuable Player.
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“Basta, kailangan naming maglaro as a team. 'Yon lang ang pinakaimportante. Hindi kaya ng isa o dalawang players na maglalaro doon. Dapat lahat,” he said.
Fajardo and the Beermen look to gain the lead in the best-of-seven series when Game 3 gets going Friday, Jan. 9, at the same venue.
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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.