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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider Fajardo's BPC hopes hang in balance as SMB faces rare early exit

Fajardo's BPC hopes hang in balance as SMB faces rare early exit

Published Jan 29, 2025 06:41 am

At A Glance

  • The Beermen were pushed to an unfamiliar territory in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner's cup eliminations where they ended with a 5-7 record and now, in danger of missing the playoffs altogether for the first since 2015.

June Mar Fajardo’s bid for a record-extending 12th Best Player of the Conference award hangs in the balance along with San Miguel’s playoff hopes.

The Beermen were pushed to an unfamiliar territory in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s cup eliminations where they ended with a 5-7 record and now, in danger of missing the playoffs altogether for the first since 2015.

PBA Images1.jpg

SMB is a curious spectator in the conference's last two elimination game days, needing losses for both NLEX and Magnolia in their respective games to at least get a knockout game for the eighth and final spot in the quarterfinals.

Otherwise, a victory for any of the other two teams would formally eliminate SMB in contention and in the process will also put Fajardo’s BPC chances in peril.

Even though their fates are not anymore on their hands, Fajardo remained hopeful that the Beermen would somehow end up contending for a playoff spot. The Beermen are even scheduled for practice on Wednesday according to the eight-time Most Valuable Player.

“Tagilid kami ngayon. Pero may chance pa naman kami. Hopeful pa rin kami,” said Fajardo during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night where he was given the Mr. Basketball award on Monday, Jan. 27. (“We still have a chance. We’re hopeful.”)

It would be a huge waste should SMB get knocked out of contention especially since Fajardo was the statistical race leader halfway through the eliminations.

Without the Cebuano gentle giant, the BPC derby is seen to become an open race with Arvin Tolentino, the conference’s leading local scorer, looking poised to take the lead with guys like Robert Bolick, Calvin Oftana and even rookie Jordan Heading expected to crowd him.

Tolentino’s NorthPort is currently atop the standings and has a good chance at securing a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals. A semis stint for the Batang Pier would further solidify Tolentino’s case for possibly his first major individual plum.

Related Tags

San Miguel Beermen June Mar Fajardo PBA Commissioners Cup
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