“Super sore talaga”: Norbert Torres reflects on guarding June Mar Fajardo in Game 1 of PBA semifinals

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel struck first in the Philippine Cup semifinals, edging long-time rivals San Miguel Beermen, 99–90, in Game 1 on Sunday, January 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Gin Kings welcomed the opening win, especially after surviving a dominant showing from San Miguel’s record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo. The 36-year-old center delivered a heroic all-around performance, finishing with 23 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks in 40 minutes, but received limited support from his teammates.

Tasked with helping contain Fajardo was Ginebra center Norbert Torres, who not only battled defensively but also chipped in on offense. Torres scored eight points, knocking down 2-of-7 attempts from beyond the arc, helping stretch San Miguel’s defense.

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Torres admitted the physical toll of guarding Fajardo, even if only in limited stretches, noting that he resorted to fouling at times just to slow down the Beermen star.

#WATCH: SUPER SORE🏀

Norbert Torres admits guarding June Mar Fajardo in Game 1 of the #PBA50 semis was a chore#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/4lhAVTnW3W

📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/HUN0cGZzMW

— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) January 4, 2026

“Super sore talaga actually. Kasi kahit 20 minutes against June Mar, playing 20 minutes, it feels like 40 minutes. So very sore ‘yung katawan ko. Just try to get less touches for June Mar as much as possible. But that’s a hard task saying that. More of just early contact, laging contact sa kanya, and then trying as much as possible not to give him the offensive rebound,” Torres said in a media interaction.

By stepping out to the perimeter, Torres was able to pull Fajardo away from the paint, opening up driving lanes for Ginebra’s guards and wings.

“That’s part of the game plan as well, just to stretch him out para he is not always in the paint. Good thing, it went in the fourth quarter,” he added.

Despite the Game 1 victory, Torres expects a tougher challenge ahead, anticipating adjustments from the Beermen in Game 2.

“For sure, it’s just going to get harder. June Mar’s going to come out stronger, they are going to look for him more. The other guys are also going to step up as well. They are probably going to make their shots. So we have to adjust to that,” Torres concluded.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven semifinal series is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, once again at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

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