With better execution, Fajardo confident Beermen can bounce back
June Mar Fajardo. PBA IMAGES
June Mar Fajardo isn’t losing sleep over San Miguel’s 87-85 loss to TNT on Friday.
The three-time PBA Most Valuable Player was still satisfied with the way the Beermen defended the KaTropa although their shooting was a far cry from Game 1.
“We just missed our shots and had some minor lapses. We played the same game. It’s just our outside shots didn’t fall. We still played good defense.”
READ: With streak over, real test is how Beermen recover
The usually high-scoring San Miguel shot a paltry 7-of-26 clip from three, with Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, and Chris Ross limited to a combined 9-of-36 shooting from the field.
That left the bulk of responsibility to Alex Cabagnot, who was the lone guard to have had a good game with 24 markers and five boards, and Fajardo, who had led the team with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks.
The Cebuano giant knows they just need to execute better for a chance to bounce back on Game 3 on Sunday.
READ: TNT ties series
“It’s just the execution of our plays. We can’t play the running game they do because we’re more on set plays.”
If the first two games were any indication, the semifinals series is about to get tougher for the defending champions and Fajardo is well aware of that.
“They’re a strong team. They are veterans who know how to win in the semifinals. You can’t sweep that type of team. It’s expected that this series won’t be that easy.”
Still, there’s no doubt in Fajardo’s mind what team will prevail in the end.
“I’m confident with my team. I trust my teammates and coach’s system. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s possible that we can beat them.”
Game 3 is on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
