Fajardo gets better of Slaughter even as Beermen overwhelm Kings

Greg Slaughter vs Junemar Fajardo. PBA IMAGES

Some duels just never get old.

Once again, Cebuano giants June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter faced off as San Miguel played Ginebra on Sunday.

It was one of the sidenotes fans of both teams awaited and it certainly did not disappoint.

Ultimately, it was the Beermen which took the baton this time, 100-85, with Fajardo winning the one-on-one with his 10 points and 20 boards.

The reigning MVP, though, admitted that just like their past tussles, it was always a hard draw to post up against Slaughter.

“Nakakapagod din. Di nga ako nakascore kasi naintimidate ako sa kanya eh,” said Fajardo. “Ngayon mas mabigat sya.”

(It was tiring. It actually was hard to score against him because I’m intimidated. Now, he’s heavier.)

Slaughter also agrees with his counterpart’s assessment, but shifted the focus to their teams rather than on just the two of them.

“It’s always a tough matchup. Both of our teams played not just through our bigs. We have talented teams and we have lots of guys to go to.

Definitely, I could’ve helped to contribute tonight,” he said.

It was Slaughter’s first game since spraining his right ankle and the effects of the layoff werepresent. He only had six points on a measly 3-of-12 field goal shooting, to go with six rebounds, three assists, and a block.

But last season’s Rookie of the Year hopes that the next time he and Fajardo clash, he’ll be back in full force.

“I’m just out of rhythm. I’ve been out for three weeks and I only got a couple of practices in. I need more time to get my rhythm back and work on the right things,” he said. CC