It seemed like June Mar Fajardo was having fun during Game Two of the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup semifinals.
The seven-time PBA MVP had another dominating performance inside the paint, finishing with 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds in San Miguel’s 106-89 win over Rain or Shine at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The night looked easy for the San Miguel big man, even as an eagle-eyed cameraman caught Fajardo smiling at one point during the third quarter while posting up against Beau Belga. It was in the third quarter that San Miguel pulled away, with Fajardo scoring 18 points in that period.
When asked about it during the postgame press conference, Fajardo said he wasn’t aware that he was smiling during the play and had no intention to do so. He admitted he wants to try and enjoy the moment even amid a competitive environment.
“Hindi ko napansin na naka-ngiti pala ako,” said Fajardo. “Gusto ko lang i-enjoy. Nasa semis tayo. Minsan kasi kapag masyado kang seryoso, nagiging tentative tayo.”
“Tinatry ko ‘yung best ko na ienjoy ‘yung game pero at the same time, (kailangang) mag-seryoso,” he added.
Fajardo admitted he sometimes gets feedback from San Miguel coach Jorge Gallent about enjoying the game too much and not playing seriously enough on the court.
“Paano ka magseseryoso, nakatawa ka,” said Gallent in jest during the postgame press conference.
“Lagi nga akong pinapagalitan kasi lagi daw ako nakangiti, hindi ako nagseseryoso. Pero seryoso naman ako,” Fajardo responded.
Fajardo and company have a lot to smile about following Sunday’s game, where the Beermen took a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven semifinal series.
“Basta na lang ‘yun lumalabas. Next time, seryoso,” said Fajardo.
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