THE San Miguel Beermen must raise their level of play further in their Christmas day games in 50th PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals this Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
JuneMar Fajardo, a nine time MVP awardee, said this after the Beeermen emerged with a nine-game winning streak at the end of the elimination round.
“Malaking bagay ito para sa amin. Pagdating kasi sa playoff, wala na iyung 9-2 record namin. Back to zero kami,” said the 6’10” Fajardo after the Beermen claimed the top seeding with their 113-104 win in over the Meralco Bolts last Friday.
Fajardo went on to finish with 21 points and 15 rebounds as the Beermen went on to arrange a 5:15 p.m. match with eighth-ranked NLEX Road Warriors.
The Beermen need to win only once to advance to the best-of-seven semifinals.
“Kailangan hindi kami kampante. Kailangang itaas namin and level namin, pagdating sa playoff,” added Fajardo.
Once the Beermen get past the Road Warriors, they will meet the winner of the other quarterfinals pairing, between Converge and Barangay Ginebra.
Coach Leo Austria said the Beermen can’t afford to be complacent against the Road Warriors.
“Kaya hindi ka talaga puwedeng mag-relax. Kahit sino’ng kalaban we have to prepare hard kasi nga any team is capable, kayang talunin kahit sinong team,” said Austria.
