SMB grabs 2-0 lead on Fajardo heroics

SAN MIGUEL’S Marcio Lassiter aborts a drive and issues a pass off TNT’s Kelly Williams (left) and Danny Seigle in last night’s Game 2. RICHARD A. REYES

Shut down practically three-fourths of the way, June Mar Fajardo found ways to shine in the stretch and bail out San Miguel Beer.

The 6-foot-10 Cebuano center hit eight straight free throws late in the fourth quarter and keyed an 87-81 victory over Talk ‘N Text last night that gave SMB a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven Final Four series in the PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

Fajardo, the reigning MVP who tossed in 23 points and had 10 rebounds in Game 1, actually shot 10 straight charities in close to a five-minute stretch as the Beermen held the Tropang Texters at bay.

His endgame heroics again came after he was held to just five points in the first three periods.

“It was a nice game and we were fortunate to snatch this one,” San Miguel coach Leo Austria said. “We knew right from the start of the game that they (Tropang Texters) would be bouncing back after losing Game 1.”

Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos carried the fight for San Miguel early on, with Cabagnot hitting his first three triple tries and the Beermen connecting on seven of their first 11 to establish control.

Cabagnot, the perennial all-star who was acquired at the start of the playoffs through a trade with Globalport, finished with 21 points with Chris Lutz adding 14 and Santos 10 in the rugged contest.

“Nothing is sure as of now,” Austria said when asked if a 2-0 lead in a series deemed to be close was insurmountable. “Kapag sugatan ang aso, babalik at babalik ‘yan (A wounded dog will always fight back).”

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine and Alaska break a 1-1 tie in their half of the Final Four today with the Elasto Painters seeking a second straight win in the best-of-seven series.

Game time is 7 p.m. with the Painters enjoying a slight psychological edge owing to a 102-95 Game 2 victory after they led by as large as 21 points and finishing well.

Alaska took the series opener, 87-80, after trailing 17-34 in the second period and rallying mightily in the second half.

Fajardo actually hit all his 11 free throw attempts and also finished with 12 rebounds.

Jason Castro paced the Texters with 26 points with Jay Washington adding 11.

A Fajardo layup made it 78-72 going into the final 5:15 but a Washington triple put Talk ‘N Text back in the fight at  78-75.

That was when Fajardo made those eight consecutive charities, the last two coming with 37.3 remaining that made it 86-81.

The scores:

SAN MIGUEL BEER 87—Cabagnot 21, Fajardo 15, Lutz 14, Santos 10, Lassiter 8, Tubid 7, Fortuna 5, Pascual 3, Maierhofer 2, Ross 2, Kramer 0, Omolon 0, Chua 0, Semerad 0.

TALK N’ TEXT 81—Castro 26, Washington 17, Rosser 11, De Ocampo 10, Carey 6, Fonacier 4, Aban 3, Williams 2, Seigle 2, Alapag 0, Alas 0, Reyes R.J. 0, Reyes R. 0, Espiritu 0.

Quarters: 25-19, 41-40, 63-61, 87-81