San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo reacts during Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals vs TNT.—MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo said San Miguel Beer’s title loss the previous year served as one of his motivations in winning the PBA Philippine Cup that squashed TNT’s hopes of a historic Grand Slam.
Fajardo came through for the Beermen in Friday’s 107-96 victory with 24 points on 11-of-12 from the field that completed the road back to the all-Filipino crown after falling short to the Meralco Bolts in the previous edition.
READ: PBA: June Mar Fajardo takes home 12th Best Player award
San Miguel was left to receive the runner-up trophy which Fajardo kept in his home along with numerous trophies and plaques associated with success.
“I had it placed near the front door at home and it served like a motivation for me,” Fajardo said amid the celebratory mood at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
San Miguel also bounced back from missing the playoffs of the Commissioner’s Cup to win its seventh all-Filipino in the last 10 editions.
While he had his usual numbers with 21.0 points, 12.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks, Fajardo took a backseat of sorts as the attention drew mostly on PBA Press Corps Finals Most Valuable Player Jericho Cruz, Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa and Chris Ross, who were all instrumental in getting back from San Miguel’s Game 1 loss.
The Beermen won three in a row to move on the cusp of the title, but the injury-riddled Tropang 5G prevented a gentleman’s sweep by taking Game 5 to extend the Finals.
“TNT is a tough opponent even if they’re shorthanded,” Fajardo said. “I’m thankful that we were able to get this win, this championship because it would be very difficult if it went to a Game 7.”
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