As SMB closes in on crown, Fajardo knows Magnolia won’t give up easily

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Reaping awards has been a custom for June Mar Fajardo and Wednesday was no different as he received his record-setting sixth Best Player of the Conference award for his dominating performance in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.

What he’s not used to, however, was one curious set of eyes intently watching him in Game 4 of the Finals.

Larry Patnongon, the father of his beau Aerieal, was in attendance for the first time to support the Cebuano giant from the stands and though he wouldn’t admit it, the presence truly loomed over Fajardo.

But just like the professional that he is, the four-time PBA MVP bucked the distraction and poured 16 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in San Miguel’s gutsy 84-80 win over Magnolia to move a win away from snaring its fourth straight all-Filipino title.

“I’m just happy that we got the win and I’m thankful to God for all the blessings he’s showering us,” said Fajardo with a playful smile.

The Beermen now only need one more win on Friday to close another historic chapter in their already storied franchise, but Fajardo knows that at this stage, nothing will come easy for them.

“Magnolia won’t give up that easily. Just like in this game, they will keep on trying, ” he said “We need to be ready. We can’t be complacent. We need to go hard in practice and in the game so that we will get the win.”

But before the war, Fajardo has to get through dinner with the Patnongons first — a tiff we’re pretty sure the soft-spoken giant could ace with ease.