Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Foul-plagued all game long, June Mar Fajardo admits TNT’s defense did its work following the San Miguel’s 98-92 Game 3 loss on Sunday.
“I can feel that their defense is tightening up on me,” Fajardo said in Filipino.
Though the three-time PBA Most Valuable Player still normed decent numbers with 16 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks, just like in Game 2, his production wasn’t enough as the Beermen now stare at a 1-2 series deficit in their best-of-7 semifinals series.
“We had lots of lapses and turnovers, but still, we’re there and it was still a close game,” he said, as the Beermen committed 19 turnovers which led to 18 easy points for TNT.
But just like last time, the Cebuano giant is keeping the faith with his squad, saying that San Miguel has proven itself more than capable of fighting back despite the back-to-back losses.
“We’re still confident that we can bounce back and regroup from this loss,” he said.
The same goes with Fajardo’s teammates as they trust that the big man will be able to come through.
“June Mar will adjust. He’s not a three-time MVP for no reason, and we’re not three-time champions for no reason,” said Chris Ross.
“I can’t really comment on the calls that were made, but the big man, he’s our big man and he should be able to get calls at the end. It just didn’t happen and he wasn’t able to get any calls. We’ll see what happens in Game 4,” SMB swingman Marcio Lassiter said.
Fajardo feels the next game is already a must-win for San Miguel.
“It’s a must-win for us. It’s going to be difficult if they go up 3-1. We have to win,” he said.