MANILA – San Miguel Beermen superstar June Mar Fajardo delivered yet another dominant performance in Game 1 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals on January 4, 2026, posting 27 points and 23 rebounds—yet he humbly admitted post-game that it “still wasn’t enough” as Ginebra pulled off a 99-90 upset to draw first blood.
The nine-time MVP carried the Beermen with his signature paint presence, adding 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block while battling multiple defenders. However, he struggled at the free-throw line (5-of-12) and couldn’t prevent Ginebra’s bench explosion (outscoring SMB reserves 54-29) that fueled the Gin Kings’ late surge.
In a candid interview, Fajardo reflected: “I gave my all, but we fell short as a team. I feel like I could’ve done more to help us win—maybe hit those free throws or grab a couple more boards. This loss hurts, but it motivates us for Game 2.”
Coach Leo Austria praised Fajardo’s effort amid the defeat: “June Mar was a monster out there—no one can stop him one-on-one. We just need better support around him.”
Ginebra’s collective depth—led by RJ Abarrientos (23 points) and Scottie Thompson (22)—neutralized SMB’s stars, snapping their 10-game win streak. Fajardo’s self-criticism underscores his championship mindset as the Beermen aim to even the series in Game 2 on January 7.
Fajardo Game 1 Stats Snapshot:
| Category | Stat | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 27 | Team-high |
| Rebounds | 23 | Dominant on boards |
| FT | 5/12 | Key misses in close game |
| Overall | Monster but loss | “Still not enough” per JMF |
A true leader’s humility—expect “The Kraken” to unleash even more next game! 🏆