WATCH: Interview with Best Player June Mar Fajardo and Coach Jorge Gallent [Sep. 5, 2024]
San Miguel vs Rain or Shine | PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup
June Mar Fajardo delivered one of the most astonishing game-winning shots in league history, leading San Miguel to a thrilling 113-112 victory over Rain or Shine on Thursday night in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the iconic Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
With the clock winding down, Fajardo executed a buzzer-beating jumper, securing the win for the Beermen in a dramatic finish that saw the league’s winningest franchise nearly falter. Chris Ross committed a critical foul against Felix Lemetti while he was attempting a four-point shot with just three seconds remaining.
The Fil-Swedish rookie for Rain or Shine displayed remarkable poise, sinking all four free throws to give the Elasto Painters a brief 112-111 advantage.
Facing a dire situation with no timeouts left and only three seconds on the clock, San Miguel ingeniously maneuvered the ball to Fajardo, who delivered a perfectly timed jumper from just above the free-throw line, clinching victory just as the buzzer sounded. This shot not only halted Rain or Shine’s perfect 4-0 season start but also snapped San Miguel’s two-game losing streak.
The game-winner capped off another stellar performance from Fajardo, who recorded a double-double with 27 points and 21 rebounds. This win propelled the Beermen to a 3-2 record, finishing the first round of eliminations in Group B on a high note.
Jordan Adams also shone brightly for San Miguel, scoring an impressive 41 points, including a crucial jumper that extended their lead to 109-105.
San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent expressed that he was not surprised by the fierce competition presented by Rain or Shine until the final buzzer.
“We just played hard coming to the fourth quarter. We had leads of eight and 10. But we tend to relax. Rain or Shine is a pesky team so they are just going to go, go, and go. We have to take care of the ball in the end game,” said Gallent during the post-game presser.
Fajardo made significant contributions by hitting back-to-back baskets from the shaded area, pushing San Miguel to its largest lead at 86-74 late in the third quarter. However, the momentum shifted when Keith Datu’s jumper equalized the game at 105 with 1:49 left on the clock.