SMB ties Finals series to 2-2 behind Fajardo’s dominant play
Credit to Author: JOSEF T. RAMOS, TMT| Date: Wed, 08 May 2019 16:59:03 +0000
San Miguel Beer banked on June Mar Fajardo’s dominating presence inside the paint to rout Magnolia, 114-98, and tie the series at 2-2 in Game 4 of their best-of-seven Finals duel in Season 44 of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
After trailing 25-27 at the end of the first quarter, Fajardo, who was named Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference before the game, took over to lead the Beermen in their bounce back from a frustrating loss in Game 3.
Fajardo scattered 25 of his 31 points in the last three quarters in addition to his 14 rebounds.
The reigning five-time Most Valuable Player also shot 13-of-14 from the field.
“This is the kind of game that we are looking for,” said San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria. “From start to finish, we were able to sustain our energy. It’s a matter of effort and we’re able to score a lot in the shaded area.”
San Miguel Beer turned a 54-47 halftime lead to a 99-82 advantage in the early part of the last quarter and didn’t look back.
Terrence Romeo notched 18 points with five assists and four rebounds while Chris Ross had 15 points. Christian Standhardinger finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, while Arwind Santos scored 12 points plus six rebounds and six assists for San Miguel Beer.
Alex Cabagnot contributed 11 points also for the Beermen.
Mark Barroca and Jio Jalalon piled up 22 points apiece to lead Magnolia.
Scores:
San Miguel 114 – Fajardo 31, Romeo 18, Ross 15, Standhardinger 13, Santos 12, Cabagnot 11, Lassiter 6, Rosser 3, Pessumal 3, Nabong 2.
Magnolia 98 – Barroca 22, Jalalon 22, Sangalang 19, Reavis 9, Lee 7, Herndon 6, Dela Rosa 5, Calisaan 4, Melton 2, Brondial 2, Ramos 0, Pascual 0.
Quarterscores: 25-27, 56-47, 87-77, 114-98.
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