In a thrilling match last night, June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer reached a significant career milestone, becoming a member of the PBA's exclusive 10,000-point club. His achievement came during a dramatic game against NLEX in the Governors' Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo, where the Beermen executed an impressive comeback to secure a 135-133 victory over the Road Warriors.
Fajardo, who finished the game with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks, entered the prestigious club at the 2:21 mark of the first quarter. His remarkable performance was crucial as the Beermen battled back from a daunting 20-point deficit. At one point in the fourth quarter, NLEX was leading comfortably with a score of 116-96, threatening to overpower San Miguel.
However, the tenacity of the Beermen shone through in the closing minutes of the game. With George King playing a pivotal role, scoring 10 of his team-high 27 points in the final quarter, San Miguel launched an aggressive effort that culminated with King's decisive shot inside with just 5.2 seconds remaining.
Despite their hard-fought victory, San Miguel Beer concluded the group stage with a 9-3 record, tied with NLEX. However, NLEX secured the top seed for the quarterfinals due to a superior point differential after defeating San Miguel by 14 points earlier in the tournament.
In an interview post-game, Fajardo expressed gratitude for the support from his teammates and coaching staff, emphasizing that his milestone was a collective achievement. He reflected positively on the game, stating that the win contributed to the morale of the team as they prepare for their upcoming best-of-five quarterfinal series against the third seeds from Group B.
Coach Leo Austria also shared his perspective on the match, highlighting that the focus was on winning regardless of their seed. Although they fell short of achieving a 15-point victory necessary to claim the top spot, he remained optimistic. Meanwhile, the Beermen effectively countered a standout performance by NLEX's Deonte Burton, who scored an impressive 43 points and recorded six blocks, showcasing the intense competition in the league.
Frequently Asked Questions
What milestone did June Mar Fajardo achieve during the game?
June Mar Fajardo reached the milestone of 10,000 career points in the PBA.
What was the outcome of the game between San Miguel Beer and NLEX?
San Miguel Beer won the game against NLEX with a score of 135-133 after coming back from a 20-point deficit.
What will San Miguel Beer’s next phase be in the tournament?
San Miguel Beer will compete in the best-of-five quarterfinals against the No. 3 seeds from Group B.
Reporting by Ashley Romero for Rapport Philippines. This report was prepared from available source material and reviewed for factual consistency. Further verified updates will be added as the newsroom receives them.