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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider TNT bigs remain formidable even in Erram absence, says Fajardo

TNT bigs remain formidable even in Erram absence, says Fajardo

Published Jul 19, 2025 04:49 pm

At A Glance

  • June Mar Fajardo admitted that even in the absence of Poy Erram, the TNT frontline remained formidable in San Miguel 108-88 Game 3 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Friday, July 18.
By ANGELO CAPARAS, Intern
June Mar Fajardo admitted that even in the absence of Poy Erram, the TNT frontline remained formidable in San Miguel's 108-88 Game 3 victory in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, Friday, July 18.
Erram was out of commission with an ankle injury he sustained in the game prior although the Tropang 5G still had the likes of Kelly Williams, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Henry Galinato to man the paint.
“Mahirap pa rin kahit wala si Poy [Erram] para sakin,” said Fajardo.
“Si Kelly [Williams] nakaka-shoot siya ng ilang threes. Nagda-drive siya. Syempre nahihirapan ako depensahan siya,” he added.
That seemed not the case, though, with Fajardo dominating the paint with 33 points and 12 rebounds to give the Beermen a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Finals affair.
But the eight-time MVP deflected the credit to his teammates who backed him up.
“Thankful ako sa mga teammates ko kasi nagpo-provide naman sila ng help para sa akin. Alam naman nila na mabe-beat ako ni Kelly, so nagpo-provide sila ng help.” added Fajardo.
SMB coach Leo Austria emphasized that even with Erram sidelined, the team continues to prepare as if the TNT big man might suit up anytime.
“We don’t know what really happened. Although I can see it naman in the replay, there’s always a surprise. Unfortunately for them, he [Erram] wasn’t able to play. But in our preparation, he is always included,” said Austria.
“Kahit nga si Nambatac kasama sa preparation namin ‘yun eh. Everybody—katulad ng nangyari kanina, [Almond] Vosotros talagang magic bunot nila ‘yun.
“We have to be careful, everybody especially in the finals—kailangan bantayan,” he added.
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