June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo is set to undergo tests on his calf after the Beermen’s Game 1 loss at the hands of Ginebra in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.
In the latter part of the Gin Kings’ 73-71 win over San Miguel Beer, Fajardo was seen occasionally grimacing in pain while holding on to his right calf.
Before leaving the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night, Fajardo told reporters that he would be examined to see why he was in pain for most of the second half.
READ: PBA: Ginebra exploits limping June Mar Fajardo in Game 1 win
“This is a long series. Hopefully, there’s nothing but I have an ultrasound tomorrow so we’ll see,” said Fajardo. “It hurts but I’m positive that it’s nothing serious,” he added.
Despite an ailing calf, Fajardo still played 33 minutes of action for the Beermen, but his pain was evident through his performance as he only finished with six points on a lowly 30 percent field goal shooting clip.
June Mar Fajardo and Japeth Aguilar during the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between San Miguel Beermen and Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The reigning MVP, however, still snagged 19 rebounds.
But what was even more painful for Fajardo was the fact that he could’ve sent the win to the Beermen’s camp.
In the last seconds of the game, Fajardo had an opening in the paint only to be denied by Japeth Aguilar, which ultimately sealed the result.
“Sayang… We’ll just bounce back in the next game. This is a long series,” said the Gilas Pilipinas big man.
The Beermen hope to still have Fajardo’s presence when they try to equalize the series at 1-1 in Game 2 this Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.