PBA: June Mar Fajardo puts up monster game to lead SMB past Phoenix

June Mar Fajardo was in MVP form in San Miguel's season opener. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--When he received his eighth PBA MVP award on Sunday, June Mar Fajardo told the crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, "Sana next year uli."

Three nights later at the same arena, his bid for MVP number nine was off to a monstrous start.

The 6-foot-10 Cebuano behemoth was dominant in San Miguel's season opener as they held off Phoenix, 111-107, in their PBA Governors' Cup battle on Wednesday night.

Fajardo finished with 37 points on 14-of-18 field goals and 24 rebounds to lead the Beermen in a game where the four-pointer became vital in the clutch.

Just up one with 1:06 left, they got a huge boost from CJ Perez when he hit a crucial right-wing four-pointer with 56.6 seconds to up the lead to five, 110-105.

Jason Perkins hit two free throws to cut the lead down to three, 110-107, with 44.4 seconds remaining.

The Fuel Masters then forced Perez to airball a long two and rushed back to their offensive zone for a chance to inch closer.

Ricci Rivero, who was stellar in the fourth quarter, tried to retake the lead for them, but he missed his four-point attempt and Fajardo grabbed the crucial rebound.

Fajardo still gave Phoenix a chance to force overtime as he split his free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining, but Tyler Tio's halfcourt heave only hit the backboard before time ran out.

Fajardo also tallied four assists, two blocks, and two steals, while Jordan Adams added 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals for SMB.

Perez finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and two assists.

Perkins finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Jay McKinnis put up 13 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, and two blocks for Phoenix.

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