BATTLE OF YOUNG GIANTS SPICES UP SMB – GINEBRA CLASH
Former collegiate rivals June Mar Fajardo and Greg Slaughter finally see each other on the pro hard court Wednesday, an interesting, major spice in the crucial San Miguel Beer – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel setto in the PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Fajardo was sidelined by an injury in his supposed first PBA clash with Slaughter in the Philippine Cup. Then an injury to Fajardo again got in the way in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Their lone PBA showdown so far took place in the recent All-Star Game.
But there seems to be no stopping the Fajardo – Slaughter face-off this time.
Fajardo brings with him monster averages of 21.8 points and 17.3 rebounds while Slaughter carries his own double-double norms of 15.8 markers and 12.5 boards.
Of course, the 8 p.m. San Miguel-Ginebra tiff is not all about the two Cebuano behemoths.
“Both teams are coming from a loss and are battling for a Top Four slot. I can only expect an intense and hard fought battle,” said Ginebra coach Jeff Cariaso.
“Our focus will be majorly on our defense – our transition D, and we can’t allow easy points. If we want to improve our standing, we have to compete for 48 minutes. We cannot afford to let up,” said San Miguel Beer coach Biboy Ravanes.
Both pursuing a bid for the Top Four and a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals, the Kings and the Beermen both hit some obstacles with losses to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Meralco Bolts, respectively, the last time out.
But they are still very much in the fight with Ginebra at third place at 4-2 and San Miguel at joint fourth with Rain or Shine and Air21 at 4-3.
The winner in their battle formalizes entry into the quarters.
“(Reggie) Williams and Fajardo will be very tough matchups for us,” said Cariaso.
Fajardo has better numbers than Slaughter while Williams sports good all-around norms of 29.4 points, 9.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.0 steals.
Ginebra, however, could well have the advantage in the wings and at the backcourt if San Miguel continues to miss the services of injured aces Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross. (SB)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
