PBA: Fajardo's monster double-double, Perez' dagger four-pointer lift SMB past Phoenix

June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez came up huge in the endgame to power San Miguel to a 111-107 tight win against Phoenix as both teams made their debut in the PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Fajardo, just days after he was crowned with his 8th MVP plum, posted 37 points and 24 rebounds while Perez buried a cold-blooded four-point shot in the final minute as the Beermen went 1-0 in Group B. 

The Fuel Masters, meanwhile, fell to 0-1 to open their campaign. 

Fajardo sank two crucial free throws that sent San Miguel to a precarious 106-102 lead, but Jason Perkins drew a foul from SMB import Jordan Adams from the three-point area, making all three to cut the deficit to just a point. 

Perez responded big, unleashing a stepback four-pointer over the defense of Javee Mocon to make it a 110-105 affair for the Beermen, who led by as much as 13 points before the Fuel Masters staged a furious fourth quarter. 

Perkins once again trooped to the line and made two charities, 107-110. Phoenix had the chance to take the lead, but Ricci Rivero, who had nine of his overall output in the fourth, missed a potential game-winning four-point bucket.

Fajardo sealed the gritty victory with a split. 

Adams supplied the help with 24 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals while Perez led all locals with 21 markers, four boards, and two dimes. 

Perkins led the charge for Phoenix with 18 points while Rivero and Jayveous McKinnis chipped in 15 and 13 markers, respectively, with the reinforcement also grabbing 15 rebounds. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News