June Mar Fajardo delivered a game-winning jump shot at the buzzer to secure a dramatic 113-112 victory for San Miguel Beer over Rain or Shine on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The thrilling game saw the Beermen relinquish a 12-point lead, with Rain or Shine rookie Felix Lemetti putting the Elasto Painters ahead by one with only three seconds remaining.
However, Fajardo, the eight-time MVP, was left unguarded just inside the 3-point line during the final play. He took the shot confidently, and the ball bounced once before swishing through the net as the clock expired.
“Had to take the shot. It was the dying seconds, and luckily we got the win,” Fajardo said after the game.
Fajardo, known as “The Kraken,” was outstanding, scoring 27 points on 11-of-17 shooting and grabbing 21 rebounds. Import Jordan Adams also shone with 41 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
Their efforts were nearly overshadowed by Lemetti, who led a late comeback for the Elasto Painters. He nailed a crucial 3-pointer to make it a one-point game, 109-108, with 46 seconds left.
Adams added two free throws to extend the Beermen’s lead, but veteran Chris Ross fouled Lemetti while he attempted a shot from long range. Lemetti calmly sank all four free throws to give Rain or Shine a 112-111 lead, but Fajardo had just enough time to secure the win for San Miguel.
“This win was crucial for us because a loss would have left us at 2-3, which would have been tough. We’re glad we got this victory. Kudos to Rain or Shine for a great game and to my teammates for stepping up, especially in the critical moments,” Fajardo said.
The Elasto Painters suffered their first loss of the conference but still lead Group B with a 4-1 record.
Lemetti led his team with 28 points, while ROS import Aaron Fuller added 24 points and 19 rebounds. Adrian Nocum also contributed 21 points in the close defeat.
The Scores:
SMB 113 – Adams 41, Fajardo 27, Perez 10, Cruz 10, Trollano 9, Lassiter 6, Tautuaa 4, Romeo 4, Rosales 2, Ross 0
ROS 112 – Pangilinan-Lemetti 28, Fuller 24, Nocum 21, Mamuyac 12, Datu 10, Caracut 6, Clarito 4, Santillan 3, Belga 2, Norwood 2
QUARTERS: 33-28, 55-53, 86-80, 113-112
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