JUNE Mar Fajardo bucked a knee injury in Game Two with an MVP-like performance in the series clincher against TNT on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Fajardo had a double-double as he finished with 32 points and 14 rebounds in San Miguel’s 96-86 win over TNT in Game Three at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Fajardo sustained a minor injury in his left knee after a rebound play in San Miguel’s 93-88 loss to TNT in Game Two, but played through pain in the rubber match.
“Okay naman. Medyo (masakit ng) konti pero okay naman. Playable naman,” said Fajardo after the match.
Fajardo, however, also paid tribute to his teammates for the stepping up in the Game Three win.
“Hindi lang naman ako maganda linaro. Pati teammates ko. Lahat ng pinasok ni coach, nag-step up. Nasunod ‘yung game plan namin lalo na sa depensa. Pati mga bench namin, nag-cheer sila sa amin,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said he didn’t expect a lopsided victory by San Miguel over TNT.
“Pero inexpect namin na all-out ang ibibigay namin. Must win, ayaw pa namin magpahinga. Ayaw pa namin umuwi. Ayaw pa namin magbakasyon,” said the five-time PBA Most Valuable Player.
Fajardo also hailed TNT for making San Miguel earn its place in the semifinals where the Beermen will be facing Phoenix Pulse.
“Credit din sa Talk ‘N Text. Sobrang ganda ng game plan nila sa series na ‘to. Credit din sa kanila. Maganda rin naman ‘yung game plan namin. Nasunod namin ngayon ‘yung game plan kaya nanalo kami,” said Fajardo.
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