Daven Tamayo

PBA: Austria praises Fajardo, Ross' 'killer instincts' as SMB takes 2-1 lead

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John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17528581023721752858099735.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="SMB stars June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross. PBA Images"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">SMB stars June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross. <em>PBA Images</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA, Philippines – It&#x27;s all about their undeniable &quot;killer instinct&quot; and leadership.</p><p>San Miguel head coach Leo Austria praised the composure and on-court orchestration of eight-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo and veteran guard Chris Ross following their 108-88 Game 3 win in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.</p><p>Powered by their late hits as well as defenses, Fajardo and Ross made their triumph happen, moving up to a 2-1 advantage over the Tropang 5G in the Finals.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/18/san-miguel-denies-tnt-in-game-3-goes-up-2-1-in-pba-finals-2215"><strong>READ: San Miguel denies TNT in Game 3, goes up 2-1 in PBA Finals<br/></strong></a></div><p>Fajardo stuffed the stat sheet with a massive 33-point and 11-rebound performance, while Ross followed through with 15 points on four triples and six rebounds.</p><p>Austria, while not surprised by the duo&#x27;s showing, took time to laud his loyal wards in the aftermath of Game 3.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/17/mo-tautuaa-leaves-drama-filled-game-1-behind-0024"><strong>READ: Mo Tautuaa leaves drama-filled Game 1 behind: &#x27;I think I&#x27;m done trying to dunk now&#x27;</strong></a></div><p>&quot;I think the experience of the players, ano. Dahil alam nila fourth quarter is pivotal, and the killer instinct of the players, especially June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross—they know how to handle the finals,&quot; Austria said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2025/7/16/pba-austria-had-no-doubt-tautuaa-would-bounce-back-after-dramatic-game-1-0007"><strong>READ: Leo Austria had no doubt Mo Tautuaa would bounce back after dramatic Game 1: &#x27;We just let him play&#x27;</strong></a></div><p>More than their valuable contributions that marked the stats, it was their inspiring leadership that helped the Beermen move as one and deny any TNT comeback.</p><p>&quot;This is a very important game... first game in the best-of-five-series, and everybody was inspired by these guys are doing in the court,&quot; Austria added.</p><p>Austria commended both the playmaker and the big man&#x27;s extensive experiences.</p><p>&quot;Not only in scoring, but also in defending, especially Chris Ross. His leadership is amazing,&quot; the champion tactician went on.</p><p>&quot;June Mar is a very experienced player when it comes to playoffs. He wants to win, and that&#x27;s the most important thing. Everyone wants to win.&quot;</p><p>SMB tries to build a 3-1 lead over Grand Slam-seeking TNT on Sunday, July 20, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jlryP47kwYo??si=lAH3LoCf4Hru9jX5&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>"I think the experience of the players, ano. Dahil alam nila fourth quarter is pivotal, and the killer instinct of the players, especially June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross—they know how to handle the finals." #PBA #PBAFinals </p>

"I think the experience of the players, ano. Dahil alam nila fourth quarter is pivotal, and the killer instinct of the players, especially June Mar Fajardo and Chris Ross—they know how to handle the finals." #PBA #PBAFinals

PBA: Austria praises Fajardo, Ross' 'killer instinct' as SMB takes 2-1 lead

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PBA: Austria praises Fajardo, Ross' 'killer instinct' as SMB takes 2-1 lead

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 19, 2025 01:02 AM PHT

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Updated Jul 19, 2025 01:48 AM PHT

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abssports

absnews

PBA Finals

San Miguel Beermen

TNT Tropang 5G

basketball

June Mar Fajardo

Chris Ross

Leo Austria

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