After a 3-point Game 1 to start the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, June Mar Fajardo put up 16 points and 9 boards in Game 2. However, the San Miguel Beermen lost that game, too, as they did in the first one, to fall into an 0-2 hole against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
Despite playing better in Game 2, Fajardo still didn’t look like the nine-time MVP fans have come to watch all these years. And it might be due to an injury, according to San Miguel coach Leo Austria.
Fajardo Is Dealing With Plantar Fasciitis
Following Ginebra’s 126-99 blowout victory in Game 2, Austria told reporters that Fajardo’s below-average performance could be due to a lingering foot injury.
“For me, June Mar is not yet 100%. Dahil in the past few days during practice he’s asking for rest dahil something is wrong with… [may] plantar fasciitis, nakikita niya because of wear and tear na rin,” Austria admitted. “And kung makikita ninyo, it’s a big difference eh sa laro niya,” said the veteran head coach.
In Game 1, The Kraken notched 3 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists in 36 minutes of action. In Game 2, the 13-time PBA Best Player of the Conference finished with 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals in 39 minutes.
Austria Hopeful for a Comeback
Despite the Beermen’s struggles, Austria remains hopeful that his team can fight back, noting how San Miguel cannot afford to wait another full season to reach the semifinals.
“I’m hoping na next game ay ma-realize niya na this is not… sana hindi pa maging last game namin dahil sinabi ko sa kanila, let us not wait another season for us to get into the playoffs,” he said. “And this is our opportunity. Another win on our next game namin, it could give us a lot of confidence.”
Austria, Fajardo, and the rest of the Beermen will try to get that much-needed win in Game 3 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.
