San Miguel was forced to play with an all-Filipino lineup in its 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup meeting with Blackwater on Wednesday evening, as Dez Wells sat out due to an ankle injury.
The 6-foot-5 Wells suffered the injury during the second quarter of the Beermen’s clash versus the Meralco Bolts last October 27, which they lost by a whopping 26 points, 99-125.
But even without the high-octane import, the Beermen managed to get the job done. They survived the Elite’s rally late in the fourth quarter before walking away with the 99-96 overtime win.
“Muntik na kami.
“Buti nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. Kailangan namin ‘to,” exhaled June Mar Fajardo, who powered SMB with 30 points and 13 rebounds that snapped its two-game funk.
The win proves yet again why the Beermen are the reigning five-time All-Filipino kings. But for the 6-foot-10 slotman, they will still need an import whom the team can turn to.
Wells is currently averaging 37.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals in the season-ending tilt.
“Alam namin maglaro ‘pag All-Filipino, pero kailangan pa rin namin ng import,” said the reigning five-time league MVP.
“Kailangan namin siya eh. Alam naman natin kung ano natutulong niya. Kaya niya kaming buhatin eh.”
So now, Fajardo hopes for the best for the NBA G-League veteran, especially now that the Beermen will play the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this Saturday in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
“Sana gumaling agad siya and makalaro siya sa next game namin.”
