San Miguel behemoth June Mar Fajardo is bracing for a big Ginebra fightback in Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
June Mar Fajardo looked like he was back to his old self in San Miguel’s 115-109 Game 5 win over Ginebra in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals Wednesday, Jan. 15.
After back-to-back subpar games because of a left shoulder issue, Fajardo did the heavy lifting with 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Asked about his injury after the match, Fajardo said he is not yet at 100 percent, but is getting there.
“OK na. Hindi ko na masiyadong iniisip," said Fajardo, who also had two assists and a block as the defending champions now stand on the cusp of a return trip to the Finals with a 3-2 lead over the Gin Kings in the best-of-seven series.
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The 6-foot-10 gentle giant added that SMB's two-day break between Games 4 and 5 helped in his recovery.
“OK naman. Mabuti at nakapagpahinga ako nang two days. Malaking bagay 'yon,” Fajardo said.
While he put up stellar figures, Fajardo deflected credit to his teammates for the crucial victory.
“Credit din sa teammates ko. Maganda ang nilaro nila kaya nadala rin ang laro ko,” Fajardo said.
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Fajardo and the Beermen will go for the kill in Game 6 set Friday, Jan. 16.
Though momentum is on SMB's side, Fajardo is under no illusion that the job is going to be easy.
“Kailangan, strong start, hanggang sa finish. Kasi mahirap 'pag umabot ng Game 7. Pero gagawin namin ang best namin,” he said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.