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June Mar Fajardo and San Miguel exact revenge on Meralco after losing to the same team in the All-Filipino finals in 2024
MANILA, Philippines – It may not have been on the biggest stage, but San Miguel got its payback on Meralco.
The Beermen advanced to the semifinals and dashed the Bolts’ title-retention hopes in the PBA Philippine Cup following a 108-97 win at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, June 20.
June Mar Fajardo chalked up a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds with 4 blocks as twice-to-beat San Miguel exacted revenge on Meralco after losing to the same team in the All-Filipino finals last season.
“We redeemed ourselves from that loss,” said Beermen head coach Leo Austria. “We’re preparing for this conference to go all the way to the finals and eventually win the championship.”
Juami Tiongson supplied 19 points and 4 assists, while Don Trollano also finished with 19 points to go with 6 rebounds off the bench as San Miguel spread the wealth with six players scoring in double figures.
Tiongson knocked down key buckets to help the Beermen pull away for good after the Bolts stormed back from a 16-point deficit in the first half and got within 75-77 with under two minutes remaining in the third quarter.
After sinking a pair of free throws that gave San Miguel an 81-75 lead at the end of the third, Tiongson scored 4 points in a 10-2 start in the fourth period that opened up a commanding 91-77 advantage.
Trollano then buried a three-pointer for their biggest lead at 100-82.
CJ Perez chimed in 14 points and 9 assists, while Rodney Brondial put up 13 points and 12 rebounds, with most of his production coming off second-chance opportunities as he grabbed a game-high 8 offensive boards.
“We knew Meralco would not give up easily, and we were ready for them,” said Brondial in Filipino. “We have huge respect for them. But our pride and desire to win prevailed.”
Mo Tautuaa also tallied double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Beermen, who became the first team to reach the final four and will face either Barangay Ginebra or Converge.
Chris Banchero netted a game-high 32 points with 5 rebounds in another disappointing exit for Meralco, which has not made the semifinals since it won its first-ever PBA championship in the Philippine Cup in 2024.
The Bolts won their last three games of the elimination round to catch the playoff bus just like they did in their title run, but the end of the road came early this time.
Chris Newsome had 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists in the loss.
The Scores
San Miguel 108 – Fajardo 23, Tiongson 19, Trollano 19, Perez 14, Brondial 13, Tautuaa 10, Cruz 5, Lassiter 3, Ross 2, Cahilig 0, Rosales 0.
Meralco 97 – Banchero 32, Newsome 23, Torres 13, Quinto 6, Almazan 6, Hodge 5, Bates 4, Cansino 4, Jose 4, Black 0, Pascual 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 35-20, 58-44, 81-75, 108-97.
– Rappler.com
