Cebuano big man June Mar Fajardo (15) squares off with Arnold Van Opstal in San Miguel Beer’s practice session yesterday at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-Lapu City.
(CDN PHOTO/BRIAN J. OCHOA)
Game today (Hoopsdome)
5 p.m. – San Miguel Beer vs. GlobalPort
In spite of their lofty perch atop the standings, there will be no letdown from the San Miguel Beermen today as they battle the dangerous GlobalPort Batang Pier in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Hoopsdome in Lapu-Lapu City.
This was promised to Cebuano basketball fans by none other than the Queen City of the South’s pride and joy, reigning league MVP June Mar Fajardo.
Already at 8-1 (win-loss) after winning over Rain or Shine, 107-101, in overtime last Friday, a victory that boosted their winning streak to seven games, Fajardo – a product of the University of Cebu – said that they will still be going full throttle in what essentially is his first time to play in front of his hometown, as a full-fledged professional.
“Lipay jud kaayu na nakabalik and now official game na jud. Sauna, it was just an exhibition game,” said the 6-foot-10 behemoth.
The task in front remains a daunting one, said Fajardo, as they take on a Batang Pier team that is tied for second place in the standings at 5-3. And of course, there’s the
matter of trying to keep the scoring exploits of Terrence Romeo, GlobalPort’s top gun and a proud son of Boljoon, in check.
“Dinaganay jud ni ugma. Point guard man ilang strength. Sabay sad mi nila og dinaganay. We’ve been practicing on that all week,” shared the man fondly known by many as “Abai.”
Beermen guard Brian Heruela also echoed his teammate’s sentiments but added that the task is easier said than done.
“We have to match their intensity and work as hard as we can to try to contain their guards,” said Heruela, another Cebuano who is excited to come back and now play as a pro, after previously starring at UC with Fajardo.
Heruela said their record is the farthest thing on their mind right now. Building momentum however, is of utmost importance, the stocky yet lightning quick guard shared.
“We never think about where we are. We can’t just relax. We’re trying to build momentum heading to the playoffs. You can’t slack off. We take this game very seriously and we’re going to play our hearts out,” he said.