The San Miguel Beermen's reliance on a healthy June Mar Fajardo was laid bare once more in a crucial PBA Philippine Cup semifinal defeat. The Beermen succumbed to the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 105-91, in Game Four on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the packed MOA Arena in Pasay City.
Fajardo's Painful Limitation
The core of San Miguel's struggle was the compromised condition of their cornerstone, June Mar Fajardo. Bothered by a shoulder injury that causes sharp pain when he raises his arms, the 6-foot-10 center was a shadow of his dominant self. He managed only nine points, marking his second straight game scoring in single digits after a six-point output in the previous contest.
This is a stark departure for a player known for averaging over 20 points per game. By his own admission, Fajardo is currently operating at 80 percent of his capacity at best. His decision to play through significant pain highlights the fortitude that has earned him a record nine PBA Most Valuable Player awards, a feat unlikely to be matched.
A Game of Two Halves for SMB
The Beermen started Game Four with explosive perimeter shooting. Led by Chris Ross and CJ Perez, they drilled nine three-pointers in the first quarter to build an impressive 16-point lead. However, their offense collapsed spectacularly over the final three periods.
Why SMB could only convert four of their 22 three-point attempts after the first quarter remains a baffling mystery. The disappearance of Don Trollano, who erupted for a career-high 33 points in San Miguel's Game Three win, was particularly glaring. No one from the team's deep bench stepped up to fill the scoring void.
Thompson's Masterclass Seals Ginebra Win
While Fajardo battled for 20 rebounds, his effort was neutralized by a phenomenal performance from Ginebra's Scottie Thompson. The dynamic guard recorded a spectacular triple-double to power the Gin Kings' comeback and victory. Thompson finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, effectively rendering Fajardo's board work inconsequential.
The result knots the best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2, transforming it into a tense best-of-three affair. The pivotal Game Five is set for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, promising a fierce, closely contested battle as both teams vie for a spot in the Philippine Cup finals.
