ANTIPOLO – Injuries and illnesses ravaged San Miguel since it arrived in the country from Dubai, but the Beermen managed to still claim the win against Converge on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Nine-time PBA MVP June Mar Fajardo dealt with a toe and heel injury, while Jericho Cruz is still dealing with a ruptured Baker’s cyst that dates back to the Philippine Cup Finals in the 49th season where he won the Finals MVP.
The Beermen were already without Don Trollano for the game due to a back injury.
READ Fajardo double-double, late Tiongson burst lead SMB past Converge
Even San Miguel coach Leo Austria wasn’t spared as he had to coach with a hoarse voice against Converge. Austria was already suffering from bum stomach during the Dubai trip, but was still able to coach San Miguel in its game against Barangay Ginebra.
“I came back to the Philippines and after two days, siguro mababa ‘yung resistance ako. Nagkaroon naman ako ng magandang boses,” said Austria in jest.
“But I had to do my job and I have to be in practice everyday,” said Austria.
His biggest concern entering the game, however, wasn’t his well-being as they needed Fajardo and Cruz for the game against Converge, which has become one of the rising squads in the league, and with their winning streak at stake.
Fajardo delivered with 24 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks in the Beermen’s 96-90 win over the FiberXers for their third straight victory.
“June Mar, I’m so happy for him. Yesterday, he was cleared also by the result of the X-ray because something was wrong with his heel. Okay naman siya kaya kanina, iba ‘yung intensity niya, iba ‘yung aura niya unlike before. Worried siya kanina,” said Austria.
“Jericho was not supposed to play but he was cleared by the doctor. But he wasn’t able to practice [for] one week before our game in Dubai but he wants to play,” said Austria.
Cruz admitted that aside his injury that affects his calf, he was also ill and had coughs and colds, but still played with Trollano hurt.
“Recovery ako sa injury tapos masama rin pakiramdam ko. May ubo at sipon ako. Pagpasok ko rito, lahat ng sakit nararamdaman ko. Hindi dapat (ako lalaro) kaso wala si Don din eh.
"Sabi ko kay coach, ready lang kahit hindi 100 percent. Tingnan natin kung ano mangyayari,” said Cruz, who still delivered six points and two rebounds in 15 minutes of play.
Meanwhile, Fajardo played down his injury.
“Wala, matanda na eh,” Fajardo said in jest. “Good thing nanalo kami. Makakapagpahinga na bukas.”
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