By Jonas Terrado
Games Today
(Alonte Sports Arena, Binan)
4:30 p.m. – Blackwater vs Columbian
6:45 p.m. – San Miguel vs Rain or Shine
June Mar Fajardo’s much-anticipated return is expected to motivate the San Miguel Beermen as they look to clinch a quarterfinals berth tonight against the short-handed Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
Fajardo is expected to have limited minutes in the second game of the Petron Saturday Special set at 6:45 p.m. after being out for two months due to an injured right shin, though his presence alone should serve as a motivation for a Beermen side eyeing a fourth straight win.
Aside from seeking a quarters slot, San Miguel is also eyeing to keep its slim chance of claiming a twice-to-beat advantage.
However, that opportunity may depend on the fortunes of the league’s five best teams.
At presstime, Magnolia, Alaska and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel are tied for the lead at 7-2, Phoenix is in fourth at 7-3 and Blackwater is ranked fifth with a 6-3 record.
Magnolia and Alaska were playing TNT KaTropa and NLEX, respectively, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last night, Blackwater plays Columbian in today’s 4:30 p.m. opener and Ginebra battles Magnolia tomorrow evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A strong finish is currently the likely scenario for the Beermen, who spent most of the eliminations groping for form mainly because of Fajardo’s absence.
Fajardo was in uniform but didn’t play in San Miguel’s 114-107 win over NorthPort last Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome, but his
appearance served as a prelude to his foreseen comeback tonight.
Import Kevin Murphy and rookie Christian Standhardinger will also be tasked to maintain their strong production while Fajardo undergoes an adjustment period.
Out to spoil Fajardo’s return are the Elasto Painters, who are trying to avoid being eliminated from playoff contention with a 2-7 record.
Meanwhile, Blackwater is bracing for a tough challenge from Columbian, which pulled off a shock 100-84 win over Rain or Shine last Oct. 19 in Antipolo.
The Elite have lost their last two games, but a victory puts them back in the hunt for the twice-to-beat.
Blackwater meets Phoenix in its final elimination round assignment on Nov. 4.
