Fajardo nabs vintage double-double as SMB blast away Blackwater to win third straight

Junemar Fajardo’s return to form continues Wednesday afternoon in the PBA Philippine Cup as San Miguel Beer rolled over a hapless Blackwater side, 99-80 in the first of the tripleheaders at Pasig’s Ynares Sports Arena.

With the noon tip-off in Kapitolyo, the Kraken is slowly but surely regaining his form that made him the reigning six-time Most Valuable Player of the PBA, notching an efficient double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes of playing time for the league’s winningest franchise.

Fajardo was the not alone for SMB as six others were in double figures for coach Leo Austria, a clear manifestation of balanced scoring in which everyone’s a threat in their convincing triumph while pushing the Bossing down further at the foot of the standings.

Guard CJ Perez showed why he was the reliable super-sub for San Miguel, as he had 14 markers lead the Beermen bench mob in which they outscored the Bossing’s second unit by fifteen, with Paul Zamar and Von Pessumal pitching in eleven and ten, respectively.

The collective effort of Perez and co. off the bench was pleasing to coach Austria.

He said, “I’m happy for the second group, because that’s what they’re practicing for during the offseason. They’re playing well in practice, and I think it’s a matter of time to gain some confidence, both on the players and the coaches.”

Veteran forward Arwind Santos also contributed a double-double with 10 markers and 12 caroms, and the starting backcourt pair of Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter added 12 and 13, respectively for a good measure.

The Crunchman stressed the importance of creating momentum in the short conference, considering they have to play their earliest game this season.

“We’re just trying to create some momentum for the next games, kasi mabilis lang ang conference,” he admitted, while they are setting their sights on their titanic clash with holders Ginebra on the first day of August.

With the Baby Beast in tow, Cabagnot said the future of San Miguel basketball is in good hands.

“I think I’m just standing the starting position as of right now. But it’s gonna be CJ’s pretty soon. I’m here to support as much as possible, and help the team win more games.”

But it was not even smooth sailing in the first 24 minutes for San Miguel as Blackwater crept its way back from a dozen behind in the second period when they momentarily took the lead before the Beermen got it back with a solitary point advantage heading into the break.

However, the Beermen turned up the heat at the restart and left the Bossing for dead, in which a 9-0 run practically sealed their third win on the trot and moved to a provisional third place, where they lead ballooned to 25 when a Pessumal lay-up made it 88-63.

Simon Enciso had 25 for Blackwater, who are yet to get on the board after losing four in a row.

The Scores:

SAN MIGUEL 99 – Fajardo 16, Perez 14, Lassiter 13, Cabagnot 12, Zamar 11, Santos 10, Pessumal 10, Ross 5, Tautuaa 2, Gotladera 2, Comboy 2, Gamalinda 2, Sena 0

BLACKWATER 80 – Enciso 25, Nabong 12, Tolomia 12, Daquioag 9, Desiderio 5, Escoto 5, Amer 4, Canaleta 4, Acuno 2, Magat 2, Semerad 0, Paras 0

Quarter scores: 20-11, 39-38, 69-53, 99-80