The Philippine Basketball Association witnessed a historic performance from its most dominant modern force as June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen delivered a masterclass, powering his team to a crucial victory and etching his name into the league's record books.
A Performance for the Ages
On Wednesday, January 7, 2025, the San Miguel Beermen secured a 93-84 win over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup. The cornerstone of this victory was none other than the Sugboanong higante (Cebuano giant), June Mar Fajardo. The native of Pinamungajan, Cebu, put up a monstrous stat line of 21 points and 23 rebounds, showcasing why he is considered the league's premier big man.
Breaking a Record That Stood for Decades
This remarkable outing was not just another double-double. It marked Fajardo's third consecutive game with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds, a feat of consistency and dominance rarely seen. This incredible streak places him in a category all his own in the 50-year history of the PBA. He is now the only player to have ever recorded three straight 20-20 games.
In achieving this, Fajardo surpassed the previous benchmark set by Tanduay rookie Eric Menk, who had tied two consecutive 20-20 games back in the 1999 All-Filipino Cup. Fajardo's sustained excellence has now broken a record that stood for over two and a half decades, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play in the league.
Implications for the Series and Beyond
Fajardo's historic performance was instrumental in giving the San Miguel Beermen a significant boost in the Philippine Cup finals. His ability to control both the offensive and defensive glass while scoring efficiently makes the Beermen an incredibly tough team to beat. When Fajardo is playing at this level, it opens up opportunities for his star-studded teammates and demoralizes the opposition.
For basketball fans and historians, this game will be remembered as the night June Mar Fajardo added another legendary chapter to his storied career. It serves as a powerful reminder of his unique talent and his capacity to redefine what is possible in Philippine professional basketball. As the series progresses, all eyes will be on the Cebuano giant to see if he can continue his dominant run and lead San Miguel to another championship.
