MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer maintained its hot streak and earned the No. 1 seeding but not before going through the wringer against tough-fighting cellar-dweller Terrafirma first.
Four days after their overtime escape act against Blackwater, the Beermen were dragged to another extended contest but powered by June Mar Fajardo’s near triple-double, still got the job done against the Dyip, 109-108, in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo turned in a monster outing of 26 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high nine assists, capping his heroics with the go-ahead three-point play to lift the Beermen to their sixth consecutive win and 9-1 overall.
The Beermen thus ensured themselves of top spot in the playoffs, achieving this without coach Leo Austria and guard Jericho Cruz, who were placed under the league’s health and safety protocols.
“We just followed our basic rules on offense and defense and did what we’ve been doing the past 10 games,” said assistant coach Jorge Gallent, who assumed Austria’s post.
One of the main bread-and-butter plays centered on Fajardo, who was virtually unstoppable towards the finish. The six-time MVP, who was issuing assists in the first three quarters, took over in the fourth with eight points to help SMB build a six-point cushion then dropped nine in OT to seal it.
In the nightcap, NorthPort snapped a six-game slide with a 95-92 victory over Phoenix to improve to 3-6 and keep its quarters hope alive. The Fuel Masters fell to 2-7.
After missing two matches due to ankle injury, Robert Bolick returned with a 17-5-8 performance to lead the Batang Pier to their first W since a 100-86 drubbing of Terrafirma last June 11.
“If you have a June Mar Fajardo and you don’t pass him the ball in the endgame, there’s something wrong with you,” said Gallent.
Eric Camson fired 20 while JP Calvo and rookie Javi Gomez de Liaño shot 19 apiece for the 0-9 Dyip.
Calvo’s back-to-back treys forced a 98-98 tie at the end of regulation. Gomez de Liaño had a chance to win it in extra time but missed on his potential marginal layup at the buzer.
Meanwhile, Blackwater, Magnolia and Meralco shoot for their sixth win and a guaranteed quarterfinal entry in today’s double-header at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Bossing (5-3) set out to arrest a two-game slide versus skidding NLEX (4-5) at 3 p.m. while the streaking Hotshots (5-3) and the Bolts (5-3) tangle for a playoffs spot in the 6 p.m. mainer.
Notes: Blackwater guard Paul Desiderio belied the accusation of abuse made by his estranged wife Agatha Uvero and declared his willingness and readiness to face the PBA probe and other forum. “I vehemently deny her allegations of abuse during our relationship,” he said yesterday. “I have had relationships prior to Ms. Uvero and I also have a daughter from a previous relationship. I have never hurt a woman, especially not the mother of my child.” He assured the pro league he will “fully cooperate in the conduct of its investigation” and expressed confidence he will be “absolved of the accusations.”