Fajardo on surviving Mahindra: ‘You can’t take them for granted’

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel struggled anew against Mahindra on Sunday, and even three-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo has no clue why that’s the case.

“I don’t know,” Fajardo said in Filipino.

Contrary to the Beermen’s defeats in the import-laden conferences, they were able to pull this win off, 94-91, for their third victory in four games.

Credit should be given to Fajardo, who once again had a monster game of 28 points and 15 rebounds, and Arwind Santos, who tallied 18 markers, nine boards, and six blocks, to anchor their side to the win.

Carrying the bulk of the responsibility in the conquest, Fajardo said it’s his duty as one of the leaders to deliver for San Miguel.

“We need to step up because we’re the ones playing heavy minutes and we need to show we’re worth the trust coach is giving us. That’s what our job as players is all about.”

The Cebuano giant also said his team’s slump is reflective on how the league is slowly changing, with former cellar dwellers now staging tough fights against powerhouses.

“They’re getting stronger. You can’t take them for granted even though they’re 3-0. It’s not an easy win for us. Teams like them, they’re scary to face because they have nothing to lose. They even took a big lead against us in the first quarter,” he said as the Floodbuster started the game strong and took a 13-point lead, 24-11, at one point. 

“Good thing, we picked it up in the second quarter and our bench stepped up.”

Given a scare by the lowly Floodbuster squad, Fajardo said this should serve as a reality check for his squad as the Beermen’s lackluster starts always place them in precarious positions in the endgame.

“We just really need to improve our offense and bring our energy level up because we always start slow the past four games,” he said.

He believes, though, San Miguel will eventually pick up the pieces and perform better in the coming games.

“All of us struggle but my teammates have always been there,” he said. “It has to be that way. They struggle so we need to lift them up and give them confidence.”