Behind eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, San Miguel scored back-to-back victories in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, Dec. 15.
As San Miguel went through the motions in Saturday’s practice, Dec. 14, June Mar Fajardo sat on the sidelines the entire time.
Fajardo, it turned out, was still feeling under the weather.
But it did not seem like it when the Beermen drubbed Blackwater, 115-102, in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, Dec. 15.
Fajardo earned back-to-back Player of the Game honors as he put up 27 points, 22 rebounds and six assists, proving once again that he is the focal point of returning head coach Leo Austria’s offense.
When the Bossing threatened to turn the tables in the final six minutes of action, the eight-time Most Valuable Player imposed his might.
He scored eight of San Miguel's last 15 points during that stretch, including a left-handed reverse against Bossing import George King to build a 112-98 advantage for the Beermen with still 2:06 left to play.
“Kailangan i-push ang sarili, eh. Kailangang mag-dig deep. Gusto naming manalo, eh. Pag natalo kami, mahirap na,” said Fajardo after the match.
San Miguel reinforcement Torren Jones had the same resolve, turning in a team-high 29 points he complemented with 14 rebounds. He also had an assist and a block.
In almost 20 minutes of play, Cjay Perez contributed 15 markers, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Jericho Cruz had 14 points and two boards.
Don Trollano added a double-double output of 11 points and the same number of rebounds as San Miguel scored back-to-back wins since head coach Leo Austria's took charge anew for a 3-2 tally.
“Collective effort 'yun ng team: sa coaching staff then sa mga players. Kaya nakuha namin 'yung panalo,” added Fajardo.
[RELATED STORY: JMF welcomes Leo Austria's return to San Miguel top post: 'Masaya kaming nakabalik si Pops']
The win ruined a 40-point performance by George King, who uncorked four four-pointers but could not make something happen for the Bossing in the crucial moments.
Sedrick Barefield added 17 points, three rebounds and two assists for Blackwater, which dropped to 1-4.
[ALSO READ: Leo Austria to employ usual short rotation as SMB aims to win: 'It's not equal opportunity']
The Scores:
SAN MIGUEL 115 – Jones 29, Fajardo 27, Perez 15, Cruz 14, Trollano 11, Cahilig 8, Lassiter 5, Ross 4, Rosales 2, Tautuaa 0, Enciso 0, Brondial 0.
BLACKWATER 102 – King 40, Barefield 17, David 10, Ilagan 9, Chua 6, Ponferrada 6, Suerte 5, Kwekuteye 5, Guinto 4, Casio 0, Escoto 0, Hill 0.
Quarterscores: 18-26, 55-48, 85-77, 115-102