EVEN as the physicality escalates and the fines accumulate, June Mar Fajardo insists San Miguel is determined to play smart basketball and avoid being lured into rough play.
Fajardo was seen showing his elbow to Calvin Abueva in Game Four of the series against Phoenix, but the San Miguel center said he didn’t intend to hit the Fuel Masters star.
“Hindi, hindi. Nangati ‘yung dito ko,” said Fajardo, referring to his shoulder as he profusely denied he intended to hit Abueva.
The five-time MVP said rough plays won’t break their concentration.
“’Yun ‘yung way nila para mawala kami sa game. Hindi namin hahayaan na mangyari ‘yun. Kailangan naming maging smart. Hindi kami pumapatol,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo enters Game Five rejuvenated after getting extra minutes of rest in the fourth quarter of Game Four, with the squad Beermen maintaining the gap without the star center.
Fajardo left after delivering nine points and six rebounds.
“Siyempre napakalaking bagay (rest) lalo na next game. For sure, mas kailangan na lalabas pa sila more physical kasi ayaw nila ma-close ‘yung series. Gusto namin ma-close ‘yung series pero alam namin na hindi ganun kadali,” said the five-time PBA MVP.
Game Four saw Alex Mallari ejected for incurring two technical fouls during a near brawl sparked by Alex Cabagnot hitting RJ Jazul in the second quarter.
Cabagnot was later fined P20,000 for the alleged hit in the groin area which Phoenix Pulse coach Louie Alas believed was a punch.
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