WITH FAJARDO BACK TO FORM, PETRON ENDS ELIMS IN A BLAZE
Whether it might be the sight of its former cornerstone in the opposing jersey, or just re-energized by their sophomore big man’s return to form, Petron Blaze overwhelmed Meralco, 96-87, in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, earning its 10th win and giving itself a shot for a possible playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
“It’s a big win for us against Meralco. It’s a good way to bounce back after a loss, and coming into the quarterfinals, we want to have to some sort of momentum, some sort of positive attitude,” said Petron Blaze head coach Gee Abanilla.
“We still have a shot for No. 2, but it’s a slim chance for a knockout game. Most probably, we’re just gonna be waiting for whoever’s going to be paired against us. We’re going to be prepared for what’s going to be a gruelling week for us next week.”
June Mar Fajardo had his first start in this game since spraining his MCL and had his best outing since returning from injury, as he had his 10th double-double with 19 points and 15 rebounds.
“Nakukuha na nya yung groove nya. Tingin namin unti-unti na siyang nagiging healthy. Sumasabay na rin yun chemistry, kasi nakakasama na rin sya sa practice. He’s ok compared than before,” Abanilla said of their top big man.
With 5:12 remaining in the first half, former Booster Danny Ildefonso entered the game and was cheered on by the enthusiastic Big Dome crowd. It was only a few seconds until he and his Cebuano student battled down low.
The two continued its battle in the paint in the second half, as Ildefonso scored on Fajardo numerous times. But it was a different case in the second half as Fajardo got a measure of retribution, using the spin move lay-up in the pain, scoring against his mentor.
“Siya nagturo sa akin nun eh,” Fajardo said. “Alam ko na gagawin niya yung mga moves pero naka-counter nya kasi dinadaan nya sa experience. Yung mga tinuro nya sa akin, yun din yung ginagawa ko.
“Privilege ko lang din na makakaro sya,” he added.
For his part, Ildefonso said that he is happy with the performance he had against his student in the game.
“Mahirap kalaban si June Mar pero masaya ako na maganda yung nilalaro nya,” he said. “Nahirapan lang ako kasi ang bigat eh. Marami na kong nabantayang malaking import at malaking Pilipino, pero si June Mar ang pinakamabigat, at may skills pa.”
Chris Ross, a former Meralco player, had 17 of his 18 points in the second half, which saw the Boosters jump ahead to a lead as big as 19, 89-70 in the 5:45 mark of the fourth, while Arwind Santos had 17 markers and five boards.
The big lead enabled Abanilla to rest Fajardo for the whole fourth quarter.
“We’re just happy that we stayed the course. We got guys coming in healthy. We were able to rest June Mar in the final minutes, and we had a lot of guys stepping up. We need support from all of the guys and the good thing in this game is that they delivered,” he said.
Alex Cabagnot had 14 points, five rebounds, and six assists, while Chris Lutz added 12.
“Ang sinabi lang namin, this is a very important game for us. Dapat maganda yung mindset namin, dapat may kumpyansa. At nag-deliver naman si June Mar. We had a conscious effort of giving him some touches. It’s a collective effort din from the rest of the guys,” Abanilla said.
Gary David top-scored for the Bolts with 18, while Ildefonso had a memorable first game against his former squad, finishing with a season-high 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five blocks.
“Dapat yung teacher di magpatalo sa student,” Ildefonso said.
Jared Dillinger had 16 points, while John Wilson and Cliff Hodge combined for 26.
The loss placed Meralco on 5-9 slate, waiting for the result of the Barako Bull-Alaska game on Sunday to see what its fortune will be in the quarterfinals.
Marcio Lassiter missed the game for Petron, as the sharpshooter attended his grandmother’s funeral in the States. (RL)
The scores:
PETRON BLAZE 96 – Fajardo 19, Ross 18, Santos 17, Cabagnot 14, Lutz 12, Kramer 6, Duncil 4, Tubid 2, Taha 2, Lanete 2.
MERALCO 87 – David 18, Ildefonso 17, Dillinger 16, Wilson 13, Hodge 13, Allado 5, Hugnatan 3, Artadi 2, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0, Al-Hussaini 0.
Quarterscores: 15-15, 44-33, 70-56, 96-87.
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