BIG June Mar Fajardo came through with a monster double-double effort, leading Petron Blaze to a 91-78 win over San Mig Super Coffee for the solo lead in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo was an unmovable presence inside the paint as he put together his first 20-20 output of the season - 21 points and 25 rebounds to go with four blocks - in a performance reminiscent of his dominance inside the paint in the last Governors Cup Finals duel between the two teams.
Petron coach Gee Abanilla was quick to pay tribute to Fajardo, who turned 24th on November 17.
They Said It!
“June Mar was a post presence tonight." - Petron coach Gee Abanilla
“June Mar was a post presence tonight,” he said.
Abanilla also praised Chico Lanete, who was rushed out of the injured list to share the playmaking chores after injuries to starter Alex Cabagnot and newly acquired Chris Ross.
“We’re just very happy for this win. I think (guard) Chico Lanete gave us a big lift, though he’s not yet 100 percent. He gave us a good substitute,” Abanilla said after Petron's third win in as many games this season.
Three other Petron players scored in double figures led by reigning PBA MVP Arwind Santos with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks, while Marcio Lassiter added 15.
Chris Lutz finished with his first double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 assists as Petron dealt sister team San Mig its third straight loss.
The scores:
Petron 91 - Fajardo 21, Santos 17, Lassiter 15, Lutz 14, Hubalde 9, Lanete 7, Duncil 4, Kramer 4, Deutchman 0
San Mig Coffee 78 - Barroca 20, Pingris 16, Cawaling 15, Sangalang 12, Yap 5, Mallari 4, Reavis 4, Holstein 2, De Ocampo 0, Acuna 0.
Quarters: 17-22, 44-34, 67-59, 91-78
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