PBA: Norbert Torres finds positives in Ginebra Game 3 loss

Ginebra center Norbert Torres tries to hold his own against San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo in the PBA 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Barangay Ginebra may have faltered to San Miguel Beer in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, but Norbert Torres still found some positive takeaways.

Following the Gin Kings’ 91-85 loss on Friday, Torres gave himself and the squad credit for containing reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo.

READ: PBA: Don Trollano, San Miguel turn back Ginebra for 2-1 lead

“If you’re able to keep him from getting another 20-20 game, I think it’s a big achievement for us as bigs,” Torres told the Inquirer.

“It’s not just on us, it’s on the whole team because we had to play defense for someone of his caliber.”

Torres barely had touches in Game 3 with only three points and three rebounds but that didn’t seem to matter for him after the loss.

The fact that Ginebra limited Fajardo to only six points is something the La Salle product chose to focus more on.

READ: PBA: June Mar Fajardo shgurs off shoulder issues, needs rest

Aside from the Gin Kings’ defense, Fajardo said after the game that he’s also been dealing with shoulder pain that contributed to his subpar performance.

“Credits to San Miguel for making their adjustments. Now, we have to make our adjustments and meet them on Sunday,” Torres said.

“We’ll try to do what we did today. We’ll be ready for possibly another big game from him again because he might come out stronger after this game.”

Ginebra hopes to avoid a 3-1 hole on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.