June Mar Fajardo hopes hamstring injury not serious as Beermen brace for PBA Finals vs TNT

Fans held their breath as June Mar Fajardo limped after scoring on a layup late in the first half of Game 7 between San Miguel and Ginebra on Wednesday.

Fortunately, Fajardo looked alive and kicking after the halftime break, helping the Beermen eke out a thrilling 100-93 win over Ginebra to win their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup semifinals series.

Asked about the incident after the match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Fajardo beamed with optimism. 

“Okay naman. Medyo nag tight lang yung hamstring ko. Akala ko nag-stretch muscle ko pero okay lang naman. Pahinga lang,” said the Cebuano slotman, who finished with 21 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, a steal, and two blocks.

The eight-time MVP had been dealing with a calf injury all series, and this latest scare only puts more questions to his condition as the Beermen get set for the Finals against TNT Tropang 5G. 

“Sana [nothing serious]. May pahinga naman. May therapy naman ako,” Fajardo said. 

After a grueling seven-game series against the Gin Kings, Fajardo knows he has to be in the best of shape if San Miguel is to toppple the Grand Slam-seeking Tropang 5G. 

The 6-foot-10 behemoth is already bracing for war against TNT big men Poy Erram, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, and possibly Kelly Williams, who is dealing with his own bum ankle.

(The PBA Philippine Cup semifinals were a true physical test for San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo. Photo by RM Chua)

“Ayun nga eh. Mahirap kalaban TNT kasi takbuhan yun. Alam naman natin takbuhan game ng Talk ’N Text. Paghahandaan namin yun,” Fajardo said.

But for now, the banged-up Beermen yearn for a well-deserved respite after the nip-and-tuck showdown against the crowd darlings. 

“Sa ngayon di muna namin iisipin yun. Sa ngayon kailangan namin ng pahinga, kain nang marami, tulog nang marami,” he said. 

San Miguel gets a mini break as the PBA Philippine Cup Finals will tip off Sunday, July 13.