Even when not at full strength, June Mar Fajardo has proven time and again that he can make a big impact for the San Miguel Beermen.
June Mar Fajardo, troubled by a calf injury, is not yet in his best shape.
That's what San Miguel coach Leo Austria observed even as his wards pulled off a Game 5 win against Ginebra, 103-92, that pushed them ahead of their foe in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinal series Friday night, July 4.
Fajardo produced 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, a steal and three blocks, but was not moving as he used to, said Austria.
“Makikita mong talagang hesistant pa siya kasi alam niya kung anong na-e-experience ng nagkaroon ng injury,” said Austria of his prized ward.
[RELATED STORY: Injured Scottie Thompson says no excuses as Ginebra bows to SMB in Game 5 of PBA semis]
Still, Fajardo didn’t look like he was in pain in the win that put the Beermen on the verge of a Finals return in the All-Filipino conference.
Though Cjay Perez and Jericho Cruz stole the spotlight with their 31 and 27 points, respectively, Fajardo made sure he was still an imposing presence inside the paint.
June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel blocks Ginebra's Troy Rosario in Game 5 of the PBA semifinals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Fajardo logged his double-double in a little more than 38 minutes of play, all while putting Ginebra big Japeth Aguilar on foul trouble.
“Sa second half, nakita natin ang dominance niya sa paint. 'Yong mga important baskets at saka 'yong rebounds, nakuha niya,” Austria said.
[RELATED STORY: Tim Cone on Ginebra's Game 5 loss to SMB in PBA semis: 'I thought we had a chance to win']
Austria could only hope the eight-time league Most Valuable Player will be at his best as the Beermen look to close out the best-of-seven showdown in Game 6 Sunday, July 6.
Tipoff is at 5 p.m. also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.