Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) – On Friday (July 17), June Mar Fajardo reaped four awards during the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Leo Awards: Most Valuable Player, Mythical First Team, All-Defensive Team, and the Sportsmanship Award.
But later Friday night, he got more – if not everything.
His team, the San Miguel Beermen, asserted their mastery of the Alaska Aces, 91-81, in Game 4 to capture the Governors’ Cup title at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo finished with 19 points and 21 rebounds and was hailed the Holcim-PBA Press Corps Finals MVP.
It was the decorated franchise’s 21st championship.
“Hindi ko maisip kung pano talaga kami naka-sweep,” said San Miguel Beer Coach Leo Austria moments after his team swept Alaska.
Austria added, “At the start of the season, Alaska ang naging barometer namin.”
But his team refused to fold twice this season: first in the Philippine Cup and now the Governors’ Cup.
How?
“Our players refused to lose and showed their character,” said Austria.
But in the team’s success in the season-ending conference, Austria singled out his prized import Arizona Reid.
Reid, who lost the top import award to Alaska’s Romeo Travis, scattered 31 points, including 20 in the second half where the Beermen took control.
The two-time Best Import shot four three-pointers in the pivotal third period to highlight San Miguel Beer’s 33-point outburst that changed the complexion of the contest.
“For us, Reid is our best import,” said Austria.
Alaska leaned on Calvin Abueva, who scored a team-high 22 points.
