DESPITE San Miguel's failed attempt to defend its PBA Philippine Cup title, June Mar Fajardo is still proud of what the franchise achieved for the entire Season 48.
"Kami naman heads up. Hindi pa naman end of the world para sa amin," said the league's only seven-time MVP.
"May next conference pa naman na puwede kaming mag-bounce back. Bawi na lang kami."
Fajardo's 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and a stunning late three pointer in Game 6 were not enough for the Beermen to survive the Meralco Bolts, who went on and win their first ever championship following a stirring 80-78 win Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen rallied back from an early 17-point first half deficit, and later overhauled a 10-point Meralco lead in the last five minutes by tying the game at 78 on that clutch basket of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo from deep with 3.3 seconds to go.
Sponsored content:
But Chris Newsome had other things in mind, answering back by converting a fade away jumper in the final 1.3 seconds for the game winner.
Heartbreaking the loss may be, but the 34-year-old center said the Beermen can't have it all.
"Siyempre masakit yung matalo, pero ganun talaga ang buhay. Maybe time ng Meralco ngayon, para sa kanila yung championship na ito," said Fajardo after the finals series won by the Bolts, 4-2.
"I-congratulate natin ang Meralco maganda ang nilaro nila," he added.
The loss denied San Miguel a two-conference sweep of the season after earlier winning the Commissioner's Cup championship opposite Magnolia.
Sponsored content:
Likewise, it marked the first time the team lost in the all-Filipino finals with Fajardo around after winning the title in seven previous editions.(RG)
