Surviving the Beast: Ginebra Escapes Game 1 as Fajardo Unleashes MVP-Level Fury

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by Lou Reyes

San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo (15) dominates Ginebra despite his team's loss. Photo: PBA Images.

Barangay Ginebra walked off the Smart Araneta Coliseum floor with a Game 1 win and a deep sigh of relief.

Even in a 99-90 victory that gave the Gin Kings a 1-0 lead in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series, the night still belonged to June Mar Fajardo. The San Miguel Beer cornerstone was nothing short of monstrous, pouring in 27 points and hauling down 23 rebounds while logging 40 punishing minutes that tested Ginebra’s collective will.

Tim Cone didn’t sugarcoat it. From a veteran coach who has seen almost everything the league can offer, this was one of those nights where survival mattered just as much as strategy. Fajardo once again reminded everyone why he’s a nine-time MVP, carrying the Beermen possession after possession and refusing to let the game slip away quietly.

Ginebra threw everything it had at him. Japeth Aguilar and Norbert Torres worked in tandem, bodying up the 6-foot-10 powerhouse, battling him on the block, and forcing him to fight for every inch of space. The physical toll was evident. Both defenders flirted with foul trouble, drained from the sheer effort of containing a player who combines size, strength, and touch like no other in the league.

SMB's June mar Fajardo (15) and GSM's Japeth Aguilar (25) battle for the basketball. Photo: PBA Images.

Still, even an off night at the free-throw line — Fajardo missed seven of 12 attempts — barely slowed him down. He owned the paint, controlled the glass, and stayed on the floor for the entire fourth quarter, demanding respect and attention until the final buzzer.

What ultimately tilted the balance was Ginebra’s ability to withstand the storm. While Fajardo dominated inside, the Gin Kings found timely baskets, steadier execution late, and just enough composure to close out a game that could have easily swung the other way.

Game 1 proved one thing beyond doubt: San Miguel is very much alive, and Fajardo is still the ultimate problem no defense truly solves. Ginebra may have drawn first blood, but if this is the level the Beermen big man is bringing every night, the road ahead promises nothing but war.

The Scores:

Ginebra 99 - Abarrientos 23, Thompson 22, Cu 13, David 10, Torres 8, Rosario 8, Aguilar 7, Holt 6, Gray 2, Pinto 0, Estil 0.

San Miguel 90 - Fajardo 27, Perez 18, Lassiter 12, Tiongson 8, Trollano 5, Calma 4, Cruz 4, Cahilig 3, Tautuaa 3, Brondial 2, Rosales 2.

Quarterscores: 26-18, 48-46, 72-73, 99-90