PBA: Alaska bigs made huge sacrifice to stop June Mar Fajardo - Hontiveros

Alaska did not think they were going to be successful again in stopping June Mar Fajardo, but it looked like they got his number for the second time around.

The Aces limited the 6-foot-10 slotman to just nine shot attempts in 48 minutes on the floor, converting on only four baskets as San Miguel Beer absorbed an 88-82 loss in Game 1 of the finals series on Wednesday.

Fajardo was rendered scoreless in the whole of second quarter and in the extra period, tallying only six points in the second half. He finished with 14, lower than his average of 19.2 points per game.

Alaska had managed to control the reigning Most Valuable Player twice now, curbing his production to just 10 points when the two teams met in the eliminations.

Their achievement does not come with a price, however, as their big men bore the brunt of Fajardo's offensive dominance.

"Kawawa din 'yung big guys namin," shooting guard Dondon Hontiveros told reporters after the game. "Si Sonny (Thoss), nakita mo sa offense wala siyang na-contribute."

His hands already full with the task of guarding Fajardo, Thoss only scored a single point for the Aces off a free throw in overtime, going 0-of-9 from the field.

"'Yung ginawa ni Sonny, i-give up niya 'yung offense to make it hard for June Mar," Hontiveros said of his teammate. "Ngayon, si Sonny ata parang nanlalamya kasi pagod talaga siya kay June Mar, talagang sinacrifice niya."

Alaska center Eric Menk also went scoreless in the game, while Vic Manuel managed to toss in seven points. Sam Eman also saw a few minutes of action, as the Aces needed all the help they can get in stopping Fajardo.

"Nakakaawa 'yung trabaho ng mga centers namin," Hontiveros said.

Their sacrifice paid off, however, as they drew first blood in the best-of-seven series despite being widely considered as underdogs.

"'Yun naman talaga 'yung goal namin, kasi pag nandun na kay June Mar hirap na," he said. "Pag natanggap na ni June Mar dehado na kami." — RAF, GMA News