JUNE Mar Fajardo made history on Wednesday after he scored 21 points and 23 rebounds in Game 2 of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
Fajardo became the first local player to record a 20-20 for the third consecutive game during San Miguel’s 93-84 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 2 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
Fajardo eclipsed the feat of Tanduay rookie Eric Menk in the 1999 All-Filipino Cup when he had back-to-back 20-20 games, according to Mangonon.
READ: Jeron Teng the unlikely Game Two hero as SMB gets back at Ginebra
The nine-time PBA MVP had 27 points and 23 rebounds in Game 1 of the semifinal series last Sunday, and tallied 26 points and 23 rebounds in the quarterfinal win against NLEX on Christmas Day.
“Kailangan kunin ‘yung rebound eh,” said Fajardo, when asked about the recent regularity of his 20-20 games. “Gusto naming makuha ‘yung panalo. Gusto naming (makuha) ‘yung goal namin na makaabot sa finals.”
“Gagawin namin ‘yung best namin, gagawin ko ‘yung best ko kung ano ‘yung maitutulong ko sa team,” said Fajardo.
Unlike in Game 1, Fajardo felt much better in making the 20-20 as SMB won on Wednesday. He was able to make his free throws as well as he went 5-of-6, in contrast to the series opener where he was 5-of-13.
The Cebuano said hitting the 20-20 mark isn’t as easy as people might think as Barangay Ginebra has been intent on containing him.
“Alam ko naman na mahirap kasi ‘yung depensa ng Ginebra, sobrang higpit ng depensa ng Ginebra. Pero tinatry ko ‘yung best ko,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo will try to make it four 20-20 games in a row on Friday when San Miguel meets Barangay Ginebra again in Game 3 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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