SMB star June Mar Fajardo (left) attacks the defense of Alaska’s Nonoy Baclao in Game 5 at the Big Dome. Fajardo’s presence at the low post gives the other Beermen more offensive opportunities. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
In the lengthening saga of the Alaska-San Miguel Beer showdown for the PBA Philippine Cup title, the Aces try to wrap things up again against an enemy that is becoming more dangerous and more determined with each passing game.
After losing the last two games in overtime and seeing a comfortable 3-0 series lead whittled down to a precarious margin, the Aces take their third shot at snapping a 16-year title drought against the Beermen, who are now riding a wave of momentum.
Tip-off for Game 6 is at 7 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum with the Beermen getting a shot of energy and inspiration from June Mar Fajardo, who finally suited up Wednesday night and helped inflict some damage on Alaska.
Alaska coach Alex Compton, however, doesn’t believe in momentum shifts and things like that, even if the Beermen will be coming off two ego-boosting victories.
“The truth is, it was tied,” Compton said of their two losses, which came only in extra time.
No 3-0 deficit in the 41-year history of the league has been lost, though San Miguel, at the rate it played the last two outings, looks very capable of pulling off the feat.
The 6-foot-10 reigning two-time MVP Fajardo, recently minted Best Player of the Conference, saw action on Wednesday, collecting 13 points and four rebounds.
His towering presence opens up more opportunities for the other Beermen to operate offensively with the Alaska defense again concentrated heavily on the inside.
Arwind Santos took advantage of that, leading San Miguel with 22 points that went with 16 rebounds, four blocks four steals and three assists—easily his best game of the series.
“Everything is possible,” San Miguel coach Leo Austria said. “They (Aces) gave us a chance. Game 6 is most important. If we get to a Game 7, it’s anybody’s game.”