Surging Beermen blast Painters in Fajardo’s return

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June Mar Fajardo returned from injury and San Miguel Beer beat Rain or Shine, 109-97, in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup at Alonte Sports Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

The game marked Fajardo’s debut this conference after missing San Miguel’s first nine games due to a shin injury but it was still Christian Standhardinger and Kevin Murphy who led the way for the Beermen.

Standhardiner flirted with another 20-20 game after finishing with 20 points and 18 rebounds on top of four assists and a steal while Murphy led all scorers with 28 points, including 5-of-8 from downtown.

Alex Cabagnot also starred with 24 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

Fajardo, the reigning four-time MVP, did not start as he played only 10 minutes and 19 seconds. He checked into the game at the 10:47 mark of the second quarter.

The 28-year-old Fajardo wound up with two points, two rebounds and an assist.

San Miguel rolled to its fourth consecutive win to improve to 6-4.

Maverick Ahanmisi came away with 26 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the also-ran Elasto Painters, who fell to 2-8.