By REYNALD MAGALLON
June Mar Fajardo’s buzzer-beater not only saved San Miguel from the jaws of defeat but also preserved a historic night for the well-decorated center on Thursday, Sept. 5.
The eight-time Most Valuable Player moved up to seventh place in the league’s all-time rebounding list and tied for the 10th spot in the free-throw lists right on the night when the Beermen dealt the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters a stinging 113-112 defeat in a match that ended in dramatic fashion.
Fajardo had 27 points on top of his 21 rebounds which catapulted him past Crispa great Philip Cezar in the rebounding list.
The San Miguel center has now collared 5,846 rebounds in his only 10-year career, surpassing Cezar’s 5,834 rebounds, he collected through 17 years in the league.
Next up for Fajardo in the rebounding list is former teammate Arwind Santos who sits at the sixth spot with 5,978 rebounds after playing in the league through 17 years.
The all-time rebounding king however is PBA legend Ramon Fernandez with 8,652 rebounds followed by Abet Guidaben (8,570), Jerry Codinera (7,034), Asi Taulava (6,410), and Alvin Patrimonio (6,152) in the Top 5.
The pride of Pinamungahan, Cebu also had five free throws to his name to tie another SMB great Danny Seigle in the most free throws made. Both of them currently have 2,096 total free throws according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III.
More than the milestones, however, Fajardo was relieved to make the game-winner and help prevent SMB from falling to a 2-3 slate which could have put them outside the Top 4 of the standings.
“Kailangan namin ‘yung panalo na ito.Kung matalo kami 2-3 medyo mahirap iyon para sa amin, buti nakuha namin yung panalo,” said Fajardo as the Beermen almost fell to the hands of the Elasto Painters who suddenly took the lead with three seconds left after rookie Felix Lemetti nailed four straight free throws.
Fajardo ran the length of the floor after Lemetti’s free throw and he was the recipient of CJ Perez’s pass. Fajardo then stopped and popped an elbow jumper which he made thanks to a friendly bounce as the game clock expired.
“Wala na kailangan nang itira and dying seconds na. Buti nakuha namin yung panalo,” Fajardo said with a smile.
