San Miguel reasserted its dominance in the paint despite June Mar Fajardo’s limited minutes, turning Game 2 of the semifinals into a one-sided affair by overpowering Barangay Ginebra, 100-83, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Friday, June 27.

Despite Fajardo’s limited presence on the floor due to an injury he sustained in Game 1, the Beermen still collared 49 rebounds and tallied 10 second-chance points.

Mo Tautuaa and Rodney Brondial picked up the slack in the paint, combining for 14 points and 18 rebounds to anchor San Miguel’s interior presence on both ends.

SMB head coach Leo Austria credited his squad for stepping up and rising to the occasion, knowing their eight-time MVP was on a minutes restriction while nursing a sore calf.

“Thank you to my players. They know the situation since yesterday when we learned that June Mar will be on managed minutes or depends on my discretion. Everybody was thinking that they have to step up,” said Austria.

Fajardo came off the bench and logged just 17 minutes, finishing with a quiet two-point outing on four shot attempts, along with seven rebounds.

“The good thing with him is he understands his situation. He asked me, ‘Coach, don’t start me in the game,’” said Austria.

The multi-titled coach also shared that Tautuaa didn’t even know he was starting in place of Fajardo, who had asked to come off the bench.

“He thought na June Mar and him will be the starters. We want to help with Mo [Tautuaa] and the good thing is, he responded to the call of the team,” Austria said.

“The mere fact that June Mar is with us, and too early to play a game, gives us some inspiration for the team. He really [June Mar] wants to play eh, but it’s up to his ability to play,” he added.

Fajardo also praised his teammates for stepping up and helping the team even the series at 1-all.

“Syempre, commend ko ’yung mga teammates ko. Lahat ng pinasok ni coach, lalo na ’yung mga bigs namin — Mo [Tautuaa], Rodney [Brondial],” he said.