Six-foot-seven giant Jun Mar Fajardo had his most dominating game so far - 50 points, 17 rebounds and three blocked shots - to help UC-Aspac Bank eke out a come from behind 108-100 overtime victory over USPF-R. Lapid’s Chicharon in last night’s game of the Reinforced Partner’s Cup at the Cebu Coliseum.
Fajardo scored at will in the overtime period, including a trademark slam with 19.4 ticks left and UC leading 108-99. Fajardo was whistled for a technical for hanging in the ring but the game was already in the bag for UC.
The slotman had his second scoring spree in the tournament. Last Sunday he scored 40 points in UC’s loss to frontrunner USJ-R/Bibbo Hotdog. This time around, Fajardo made sure his efforts would not go to waste.
UC was looking at a 76-57 disadvantage in the fourth quarter when Kelvin Juliane scored seven straight points to ignite a 12-2 binge that closed the gap, 69-78.
Another crippling 11-2 run, with Juliane again leading the attack, tied the score at 88, late in the fourth quarter.
USPF then squandered their chance to win by blowing an inbound pass that paved the way for the extra period.
With UC getting the momentum, USPF could only watch in awe as Fajardo dominated the game to give UC its sixth win in eight games. The loss dropped USPF to a 1-6 slate.
The scores
UC/Aspac(108)- Fajardo 50, Juliane 22, Abella 14, Abatayo 9, Agas 5, Flanco 3, Ceniza 2
USPF/R. Lapid’s Chicharon (100)—Nemenzo 23, Rogado 19,Avila 12, Gulane 11, Sereño 10, Rivera 6, Tabada 5, Monterde 4, Halftime: 36-47 OT. 88-all Reg.