WATCH: Interview with Best Player June Mar Fajardo and Coach Jorge Gallent [June 12, 2024]

June Mar Fajardo’s selfless act of sharing his latest Best Player of the Conference award with his teammates showcased his leadership on and off the court. As the newly crowned Conference MVP, Fajardo continued to inspire his team, leading San Miguel Beer to a crucial 111-101 victory over Meralco in Game Four of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

Fajardo exhibited a remarkable improvement in his free throw shooting, going 10-of-12 from the line and playing a flawless game, devoid of any errors. This was a stark contrast to his performance in Game Three, where his mistakes proved costly in a narrow defeat.

With their backs against the wall, CJ Perez and Marcio Lassiter rose to the occasion, complementing Fajardo’s brilliance and thwarting Meralco’s push for a series lead. The Beermen now find themselves tied with the Bolts, setting the stage for a pivotal Game Five showdown.

Perez’s all-around contribution of 22 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, coupled with Lassiter’s sharpshooting from beyond the arc, propelled San Miguel Beer to a commanding lead. The team’s starting lineup, featuring Fajardo, Lassiter, Perez, Chris Ross, and Moala Tautuaa, set the tone early and controlled the game throughout.

Coach Jorge Gallent’s strategic rotations, including the return of Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, provided valuable support off the bench. Romeo and Manuel made immediate impacts, showcasing their skills and adding depth to the Beermen’s roster.

Despite Chris Newsome’s impressive offensive performance for Meralco, the collective effort of the Beermen proved too much for the Bolts to overcome. With contributions from players like Chris Banchero and Cliff Hodge, Meralco fought valiantly but ultimately fell short in their quest for victory.

As both teams gear up for a decisive Game Five, the stage is set for another intense battle on the hardwood. Fajardo’s leadership, coupled with the depth and resilience of the San Miguel Beer roster, instills confidence as they aim to claim the championship title.