JP Erram shoots over June Mar Fajardo. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—The semifinals matchup between TNT and San Miguel in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup is akin to a heavyweight boxing match as the two clubs both hold illustrious histories in the league.
There is, however, another pairing within that series as the teams’ centers command absolute attention.
June Mar Fajardo has reigned as not only the league’s best center but its best overall player, but Poy Erram hasn’t been far in quality especially as a pivot man.
Erram said he’s aware of the magnitude of his matchup against the six-time MVP but it’s not his intention to limit himself to focus on just one player.
“It’s a big challenge for us but I don’t look at it as a player-to-player matchup, that’s not my intention,” said Erram following TNT’s dominant 115-98 Game 3 win against San Miguel Friday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Erram and the Tropang Giga had to make up for the absence of Kelly Williams who’s been out of the lineup since the semifinals started.
Even though Williams has been absent, TNT has done the job well taking a 2-1 series lead against the Beermen.
Erram, thus, had to carry more of the load in the paint as he’s averaged 18.7 points and 9.3 rebounds for the Tropang Giga while Fajardo’s putting up 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds a game.
“Of course it’s hard without Kuya Kelly but, as I’ve said, it’s a challenge for me as a player,” said Erram. “June Mar and I go way back, we’ve been going at each other ever since so me going me up against the MVP is a challenge.”
“Every game should be an A-game but even if I played well and played perfectly that does not guarantee a win.”