PBA Quarterfinals: June Mar Fajardo explodes for 35 as San Miguel eliminates TNT, 106-93

The San Miguel Beermen made their twice-to-beat advantage count after eliminating the TNT KaTropa, 106-93, in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Reigning MVP June Mar Fajardo asserted his dominance over TNT with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks.

A lethargic start from the KaTropa saw them struggle in the opening two quarters before going into the halftime break, 52-44.

TNT found their footing in the second half, retaking the lead 66-64 through a Jason Castro triple midway through the third frame.

But the Beermen finished the quarter on top, fashioning a 77-72 before the final 12 minutes of regulation.

A Tony Semerad triple tied the ballgame at 79-all with 7:42 left to play for the KaTropa, but Brian Heruela would answer back immediately with a trey of his own to gift San Miguel the lead once again.

The Beermen would keep the TNT within arm's length, repelling all their advances down the stretch.

The KaTropa would come within 90-88, but that was as close as they could get as they bowed out of the conference.

Jayson Castro led the way for TNT with 19 points and eight assists in the loss.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria, who was emotional in the press room due to a kidney operation on his wife, gave tribute to TNT and praised the performance of Junemar Fajardo.

"This is the hardest game we ever had against Talk n' Text," Austria said. "I have to give credit to the boys, especially June Mar Fajardo, they were so focused."

The Beermen await the winner of the best-of-three series between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Barangay Ginebra in the semifinals.

SOURCE: http://cnnphilippines.com/sports/2018/03/06/PBA-quarterfinals-June-Mar-Fajardo-San-Miguel-Beermen-TNT-KaTropa.html