San Miguel faced a challenging phase in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup following June Mar Fajardo’s sidelined condition due to a fractured left hand. However, a recent triumph against TNT marked their second consecutive win post-Fajardo’s absence, hinting at a positive shift for the perennial contenders.
Chris Ross, speaking after the 98-93 victory over Tropang Giga, highlighted the team’s adjustment to playing without Fajardo, emphasizing their endeavor to string together wins and enhance their basketball performance.
The Beermen staged an impressive comeback, overcoming a 10-point deficit, showcasing commendable gameplay from Ivan Aska, Terrence Romeo, CJ Perez, and Ross. Yet, Ross acknowledged the looming challenges ahead, emphasizing the crucial nature of their recent games and the upcoming clash against Phoenix Super LPG, a pivotal match in shaping their playoff positioning.
Sitting at a 5-3 record, San Miguel braces for a showdown against Phoenix Super LPG, currently on a streak, making this encounter significant for playoff seeding. Ross stressed the importance of maintaining high-quality gameplay for favorable playoff standings.
The Christmas Day face-off against Phoenix introduces a new import, Bennie Boatwright Jr., requiring the team to adapt swiftly to sustain their current momentum. Ross expressed confidence in the team’s ability to integrate the new reinforcement into their system, despite the challenges of acclimatizing Boatwright to their gameplay.
While Fajardo’s return to the lineup is anticipated in the battle against Blackwater on Jan. 12, San Miguel aims to navigate the upcoming games strategically, leveraging their current form and potential new additions to solidify their standing in the league.
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On another note, veteran guard Alex Cabagnot, a nine-time PBA champion, embarks on a new journey in the Korean Basketball League (KBL), joining Goyang Sono Skygunners as an Asian import. His move comes after playing for Terrafirma, replacing an injured Joshua Torralba. Cabagnot’s debut in the KBL is set for Dec. 20, where he seeks to contribute to Goyang’s advancement from their current 8th place standing.
San Miguel Beermen continue their quest for success, adapting to challenges and strategizing for the future, while Cabagnot explores new avenues in the dynamic world of basketball.
Image source: One Sports