In Game One of their best-of-seven semifinals against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, leading Best Player of the Conference candidate June Mar Fajardo was limited to his season-low. After averaging 23.91 points and 13.09 rebounds, the 6-foot-11 slotman finished with his conference-low nine points and seven rebounds.
With 6:43 left in the third frame, Fajardo was able to grab a rebound but was hit by an accidental elbow to the back by his good friend Japeth Aguilar. It visibly caused Fajardo some discomfort, as he had to be subbed out for four seconds before returning back to the court.
This caused San Miguel head coach to worry about him after the game.
“I hope na wala yun pero it seems na na-slow down siya with that kind of hit. But I’m sure hindi sadya yung ginawa sa kanya. That is part of the game,” Austria shared after their 102-91 win.
“But we know June Mar, kahit masakit yan maglalaro. Kami na lang nag-stop sa kanya.”
But the reigning Most Valuable Player downplayed the pain he was in.
“‘Di naman siguro. Okay lang. Bugbog lang. ‘Di naman sadya (ni Japeth),” expressed the sixth-year pro.
Instead, he commended the defense of Raymond Aguilar and Prince Caperal for making him work all throughout the contest.
“Maganda talaga ang depensa nila sa akin. Kailangan kong hanapin yung open na kasama ko. Pagtanggap ko ng bola, andun agad yung double team,” the five-time champion shared.
“Maganda ang depensa nila.
“Siguro, mas matindi pa ang depensa nila. Kailangan lang namin mag-adjust kung ano yung dapat naming i-adjust. Kailangan naming i-practice yun. For sure maga-adjust din yung kabila,” he pointed out.
Even if Fajardo downplayed his injury, Austria stressed that the Beermen will not risk their star if the pain does not subside by Sunday.
“Of course we cannot sacrifice his health eh. I dont care kung manalo kami or matalo as long as healthy si June Mar. There’s so many basketball ahead of him,” the decorated mentor said.
“Even if it is a championship game, I don’t want to compromise his health.”
