PBA quarterfinals: June Mar Fajardo, Beermen escape KaTropa for 1-0 edge

June Mar Fajardo. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Defending champion San Miguel Beer got going when it mattered most to rally past TNT, 80-78, at the start of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

June Mar Fajardo made big plays on both ends, scoring San Miguel’s last five points and getting a crucial block inside the final two minutes to finish with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.

“We thought we’re going to lose because of the bad start. I think we just got lucky in this one,” said SMB head coach Leo Austria.

“Talk ’N Text really wanted to prove something, but the players just refused to lose and we were really just fortunate.”

The Beermen look to close out the KaTropa on Monday at Araneta Coliseum.