San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo and guard Juami Tiongson during a win over Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez powered San Miguel Beer to a 110-98 victory over defending Philippine Cup champion Meralco in a retro-themed contest to cap off Wednesday’s celebration of the PBA’s 50th anniversary at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Perez topscored with 29 points while Fajardo had 28 as the Beermen improved to 2-0 and join the Magnolia Hotshots atop the early lead in the season-ending conference which they have traditionally dominated.
The victory came on the night San Miguel donned throwback uniforms from the 1982 season when the Beermen claimed the Invitational title behind Norman Black, who was on the other side as Meralco’s consultant.
READ: PBA celebrates golden year with doubleheader in throwback venue
San Miguel Beer star June Mar Fajardo and coach Leo Austria after the win vs. Meralco. @INQUIRERSports #PBA50 pic.twitter.com/bI4W0GRG69
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) April 9, 2025
Meralco, on the other hand, sported replicas from its 1971 Micaa Open Conference championship run, but ended up with a first defeat of the tournament after back-to-back victories to kick off the title defense.
Rookie guard Kurt Reyson sparked a Bolts uprising late in the third when the Beermen lead dwindled to 77-75 at the end of the period.
But Fajardo and Perez combined for 18 in the final canto, and San Miguel broke away anew to take the win.
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Perez also had five rebounds, four assists and two steals while Fajardo grabbed 10 rebounds with four assists.
Chris Newsome scored 27 points on top of four rebounds, seven assists and two steals for the Bolts. Reyson added 14 for Meralco.
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