JUNE Mar Fajardo insists that TNT's frontline remains a challenge even in the absence of Poy Erram in Game 3 won by San Miguel Beer, 108-88, that put the Beermen up 2-1 in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
Fajardo lorded it over the paint, finishing with 33 points along with 11 rebounds as he repeatedly pounced on TNT's big trio of veteran Kelly Williams, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Henry Galinato, who alternated on the Best Player of the Conference leader in the absence of the injured Erram.
?Erram was a scratch in Game 3 after twisting his right ankle the previous outing, and his status for Sunday remains doubtful. He showed up on Friday wearing a protective boot and was reduced to playing the role of cheerleader.
"Mahirap pa rin kahit wala si Poy," Fajardo said. "Pero siyempre nandoon pa rin yung mga teammates niya, lalo na si Kelly na tumitira sa labas at minsan dumadrive siya kaya medyo nahihirapan ako."
But Fajardo was glad that his teammates once again delivered as SMB made it back-to-back victories to atone for its frustrating Game 1 loss.
Chris Ross, Don Trollano, Mo Tautuaa and Jericho Cruz were among the reasons why the Beermen are two wins away from reclaiming the all-Filipino championship and deny the Tropang 5G's quest for a historic Grand Slam.
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"Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nagpoprovide naman sila ng help para sa akin," added the eighth time Most Valuable Player.
Fajardo Game 3 effort was his best game to date -- numbers wise -- since the Finals started despite dealing with a calf injury that hounded him during San Miguel's semis series with Barangay Ginebra. (JT)
