Fajardo wary of Alaska, says SMB has to improve defense

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

They have quite the powerhouse lineup that’s the envy of the other teams, so it’s strange to tag the San Miguel Beermen the underdogs in their PBA Governors’ Cup Finals showdown against the Alaska Aces.

But that’s exactly what June Mar Fajardo believes.

READ: San Miguel ousts Rain or Shine, sets up Finals rematch with Alaska

“We’re not the favorites,” Fajardo said, even though their seven-game conquest of the Aces in the Philippine Cup is still fresh in his memory.

The reigning MVP, who will be entering his third Finals series with a 1-1 championship record, is wary of the task at hand–for food reason.

“Alaska is a strong team, even when they are down big, they still manage to come back and win,” he said.
READ: Aces await hungry Govs’ Cup Finals foe
He admits unlocking the secret to the Aces’ penchant for snatching victories from the depths of double-digit holes will be crucial and that defense will play a key role in making sure there will be no more of these scintillating rallies in the Finals.

Alaska’s rampaging second halve have led to 13 come-from-behind wins where the Aces gobbled up double-digit deficits.

“There are still lapses,” Fajardo said after his Beermen triumphed over Rain or Shine 117-110 in Game Four of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. “We still need to work on our defense.”