PBA: ‘SMB basketball’ quells Ginebra’s ‘Never Say Die’ spirit in Game 4

San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer star June Mar Fajardo felt Ginebra’s “Never Say Die” spirit in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday but it was him and the Beermen who had the last laugh.

The Beermen pulled away from the Gin Kings, 131-121, but not without some late-game scares from the Ginebra side.

“That’s why they’re called ’Never Say Die,’ they don’t quit,” said Fajardo in Filipino.

“So it’s good that we got this win. We executed our plays and we just played San Miguel basketball, which is why we won this one.”

READ: San Miguel frustrates Ginebra, Brownlee for 2-2 PBA semis tie

Fajardo powered the Beermen anew in usual double-double fashion with 29 points and 16 rebounds.

San Miguel Beer’s win effectively sent the semifinals series to a best-of-three showdown as both squads now have two wins under their belt.

And it’s all because the Beermen looked for their eight-time MVP in the paint.

“I’m thankful for my teammates and coach (Jorge Gallent) because we did our game plans and adjustments, which were to find me in the post. Thankfully, I converted them.”

READ: PBA: Ginebra team effort needed to stop SMB twin towers

San Miguel Beer import EJ Anosike also wreaked havoc inside which sorely hurt the Gin Kings’ chances of a comeback rally.

“EJ played a good game. We need him to score. I think he had some problems with (Justin) Brownlee so we needed to provide that help for him,” said Fajardo.

Anosike finished with a double-double himself to the tune of 27 points and 11 rebounds.

The Beermen look to take control of a 3-2 lead on Friday for Game 5 at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.