At the Smart-Araneta Coliseum on Friday, San Miguel defeated Barangay Ginebra with a late rally, 95-92, to maintain their winning streak in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.

With a 4-0 win-loss record and a late burst from Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz, the Beermen managed to fend off a Gin Kings rally and maintain their lead in the standings. 3-2 was the Gin Kings’ loss.

The Beermen prevailed handily, leading by as many as eighteen points at one point, before the deficit shrank to just two points in the closing minutes.

Trollano, who finished with 15 points, converted an 88-84 deficit into a 93-86 lead with 2:41 remaining by making a jumper and a three-pointer from the top of the key.

Maverick Ahanmisi’s three-pointer during a 5-0 Ginebra run was followed by Cruz’s left-handed layup with 44.8 seconds remaining, giving San Miguel a 95-91 advantage that lasted till the end.

Coach Jorge Gallent of San Miguel, whose squad is among the top scorers, was happy that his team’s defense was able to hold onto a lead that was as high as 84-66 at one point.

In spite of donning a mask to shield a fracture in his nose, June Mar Fajardo contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ Perez scored 18 points and 10 assists. Japeth Aguilar scored 17 points, including a game-winning slam in the second quarter against Fajardo after a baseline drive. For Ginebra, Ahanmisi finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Meanwhile, June Mar Fajardo had to wear a mask while playing against Barangay Ginebra on Friday due to a broken nose.
The seven-time San Miguel MVP nearly missed the game against the Kings, according to coach Jorge Gallent, since his mask was almost late in being fitted.

On Easter Sunday, Simon Camacho struck Fajardo’s nose during San Miguel’s match versus Phoenix, resulting in an injury.

In the PBA Philippine Cup, Fajardo and the Beermen prevailed 95-92, holding off a late rally by Barangay Ginebra.

The 34-year-old Fajardo acknowledged that this was his first experience playing wearing a face mask.
Fajardo acknowledged that he had a fracture in his nose, but he was not given a timeline for when he would need to wear the mask.

Next week, Fajardo will undergo a nasal exam to determine the full extent of the damage.

The Scores

San Miguel 95 – Perez 18, Trollano 15, Fajardo 14, Tautuaa 12, Romeo 11, Cruz 8, Brondial 8, Lassiter 6, Ross 3, Enciso 0, Manuel 0.

Barangay Ginebra 92 – J. Aguilar 17, Ahanmisi 16, Pringle 15, Malonzo 14, Standhardinger 14, Tenorio 8, Onwubere 8, Pinto 0, Cu 0, Pessumal 0, Gumaru 0, David 0.

Quarter scores: 33-18; 56-50; 82-66; 95-92.