Author: Bon Maddagan
CJ Perez ended the game with an exclamation mark after hitting a big four-pointer as Beermen notched their first win in Group B over a determined Fuel Masters.
Junemar Fajardo Dominates, CJ Perez Delivers Clutch Shot
Junemar Fajardo, fresh from bagging his 8th MVP selection, was dominant. He had a monstrous 37 points and 24 rebounds in a very efficient shooting. Jordan Adams and CJ Perez had 24 and 21 respectively.
Jason Perkins led the way for the fuel masters, he had a team-high 18 points. Rivero had 15 and their import Jayveous McKinnis provided them with 13.
Both teams showed rust from the beginning. However, the beermen found an early spark from their MVP, Junemar Fajardo. He quickly tallied 10 points, propelling his team to a (21-11) lead. Phoenix struggled to keep pace, compounded by their import’s early foul trouble, trailing (27-17) after the first quarter.
Phoenix’s adjustments in the second have finally got them going. Playing at a much quicker pace, they managed to cut the deficit to just four points (48-44). The teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the half, with the beermen holding a slight advantage (56-52) at the break.
The reigning MVP continued his strong performance in the second half, but the fuel masters matched his every move. They even took a brief lead (66-67) before SMB’s 1-2 punch of Perez and Fajardo put them back in front (73-68). The beer then showcased their depth, extending their lead to as much as 13 points. Phoenix fought back, closing the gap to (86-77).
The fourth quarter was a thrilling back-and-forth battle. Rivero’s layup brought Phoenix within three (92-89). But Romeo’s three-pointer gave his team a (99-94) lead. With under four minutes remaining, Phoenix mounted a surge, even tying the game at 99 on a Jazul three-pointer. Fajardo had to work hard on the next possession but managed to secure a tough basket after a series of offensive rebounds. SMB continued to look for him as Phoenix tried everything to stop him but to no avail as the beer enjoyed a (106-102) lead. But Jordan Adams’s unnecessary foul on Perkins with 1.17 left on the clock proved costly. Perkins made all three free throws, bringing the Fuel Masters within a point. Fortunately, Perez was there to save the day for SMB, as he delivered a clutch four-point shot, sealing their first victory. Rivero had a chance to tie the game with a four-pointer of his own but missed.
The Scores:
- SAN MIGUEL 111– Fajardo 37, Adams 24, Perez 21, Romeo 7, Teng 6, Trollano 4, Ross 3, Manuel 3, Rosales 2, Tautuaa 2, Brondial 2, Cruz 0, Nava 0
- PHOENIX 107 – Perkins 18, Rivero 15, McKinnis 13, Alejandro 10, Tio 9, Salado 9, Jazul 6, Ballungay 5, Mocon 4, Soyud 4, Garcia 4, Tuffin 4, Verano 4, Daves 2, Muyang 0, Camacho 0
- QUARTERS: 27-17, 56-52, 86-77, 111-107
*Photo Credit: PBA Images
