San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo against Blackwater in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-San Miguel found holes in the enemy’s defense down low in overtime and used that to full effect to survive Blackwater, 110-107, in the PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Cornerstone June Mar Fajardo scored six of his 25 points in the extra period that helped the Beermen extend their win streak to five games and 8-1 overall.
Jericho Cruz was just as integral in the effort, matching the former Most Valuable Player’s output for a second-straight game. CJ Perez chipped in 23 while Mo Tautuaa 17 more as the club tightened its grip on first place.
“After watching their previous game, I knew that this game would be tough for us. We thought it was all over in the third but Blackwater showed character,” said coach Leo Austria.
“Eight and one (8-1), I don’t know if this puts us automatically in the Top 2,” he went on. “I think we’re in good shape, but we’ll see.
Rashawn McCarthy finished with 22 points, while Rey Suerte 18 more in a losing effort for the Bossing that even Austria framed as commendable stand for the perennial whipping boys, who slid to 5-2.
San Miguel will have a chance to further breakaway in the race for the No. 1 spot when it plays Terrafirma on Thursday and then Meralco on July 17.
Blackwater, on the other hand, is still in the running for a twice-to-beat protection with four more games left in its schedule against Rain or Shine on Wednesday, NLEX on Friday, Converge on July 20, and Magnolia on July 22.