Reigning four-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo went full Kraken mode on Wednesday night, exploding for 37 points and 18 rebounds to power the San Miguel Beermen past the Columbian Dyip, 129-117, for their third straight win.
The 6-foot-10 Cebuano was aggressive for the Beermen, especially in the final frame. Known as a smooth operator, especially at the post, the 28-year-old Cebuano was seen running the floor and finishing the break with slam dunks.
It was like he had some vendetta with the way he played, given that Columbian — as per history — know how to keep pace with the defending champions. Just last conference, the Beermen needed a Marcio Lassiter game-winner to escape the then-Kia Picanto, 108-106.
However, Fajardo said otherwise, that he just wanted to win.
“Hindi ah. Kailangan lang namin manalo at makabalik sa standings. Buti nanalo kami ngayon,” said Fajardo moments after the match.
“Down kami 0-3, ayaw namin mabaon sa ilalim kaya kailangan namin makakuha ng panalo.”
With their showing on Wednesday night, it seemed as if the Beermen have finally gotten their old, dominant form back — the form that helped them win their fourth straight Philippine Cup title this past April.
Moreover, the win has eclipsed their dismal 0-3 start into the mid-season conference. But Fajardo doesn’t want to dwell on what he and the Beermen have achieved so far, pointing out that a lot of work still has to be done.
“Marami pa (kulang). Kailangan lang namin iimprove yung depensa, minsan nagre-relax kami,” he said. “Pero ‘pag naglaro kami as a team, shine-share namin ang bola, sobrang lakas namin, sobrang ganda ng kalalabasan.
“Sana ganun pa rin, mag-step up ang lahat. Hindi dapat mag-relax.”
