Mo Tautuaa shines for Fajardo-less San Miguel

San Miguel's Mo Tautuaa goes for a basket against Magnolia's Jackson Corpuz at the Big Dome on Sunday, March 8, 2020. Photo: PBA

Mo Tautuaa filled in the gap left by six-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo in San Miguel’s 94-78 victory over Magnolia at Philippine Cup at the Big Dome on Sunday.

Tautuaa had a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds in the Beermen’s opening win without Fajardo, who is suffering from a shin injury.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said despite not having Fajardo on the court, Tautuaa made the difference for the Beermen.

“I have to commend Mo dahil it seems na a lot of people think na without June Mar, nobody could score inside the paint, but most of the score of Mo was inside the paint and ‘di lang yun ‘no, he could play defense too,” he said in the post-game interview.

But for Tautuaa, who was recently named Most Improved Player, his role is “still the same” and added he is thankful for Austria for helping the Beermen adjust amid Fajardo’s absence.

“Coach is adjusting to us. Without June Mar, he is adjusting to us and putting us in successful situations,” Tautuaa said.

“We have a lot of good players around me so understanding that we have a good team, we follow our play together and good things happen,” he added.

Tautuaa also said he respects Fajardo and his presence is greatly missed by the Beermen.

“June Mar is a good guy. We love seeing him,” he said.

Meanwhile, Austria said the team was motivated earlier because Fajardo was watching on the sidelines.

“Na-inspire sila kay June Mae kasi in spite of the situation, he was able to come here,” he said.

“The mere presence of a June Mar is really something big para sa amin,” Austria added. — BM, GMA News