San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo warned San Miguel Beer against complacency after a 2-0 start in their bid to defend the PBA Philippine Cup crown.
Led by Fajardo, the Beermen squeaked past the TNT Tropang Giga, 91-89, on Sunday at Ynares Center, Antipolo.
San Miguel won’t play again until March 31 after the All-Star and Holy Week break that’s why Fajardo wants the Beermen to remain focused.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
“We need to step up because the competition is rising, the other teams are strong, there are no weak teams in the PBA now. We need to raise our level of play, we can’t be comfortable,” said Fajardo in Filipino.
“We can’t be too confident so we need to win because coach told us we need the twice-to-beat advantage.”
With his minutes still being monitored as he fully recovers from a calf injury, Fajardo came off the bench again and finished with 15 points and 17 rebounds in 32 minutes of action.
READ: ‘Healthy’ June Mar Fajardo triumphant in return from injury
“I’m still restricted with minutes but I’m thankful for my teammates and coaches. They give me confidence because I got a lot of misses but they still give me confidence.
“I got sidelined for a while but I’ll get my rhythm again.”
Heading into the two-week break, the Beermen are 2-0 and the league leaders with Commissioner’s Cup finalist Magnolia just below them at 1-0.