ARWIND Santos is confident June Mar Fajardo can bounce back from a relatively slow night for the five-time PBA MVP in Game One of the PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals.
Fajardo had nine points and surprisingly got just one rebound in the series opener won by San Miguel over Rain or Shine, 111-105.
Even Santos was surprised.
"Si June Mar hindi pa ganun kainit 'yun," Santos said. "Kanina nga nagulat ako kasi sa stats niya, inaasar ko siya kanina dahil ngayon ko lang nakita na one rebound lang siya," Santos said.
Despite the off night, Fajardo's teammates were able to produce led by fellow big man Christian Standhardinger, who had 20 points and eight rebounds in Game One.
Rain or Shine cager Beau Belga said while they only limited Fajardo to just a single board, the Elastopainters were not able to contain the other players including Standhardinger.
"Kung si June Mar, makakakuha ng rebound especially in the offensive side, wala ka na magagawa. It's either you foul him or counted. My job is to limit him," Belga said.
"We limited June Mar pero nawala sa isip namin si Christian. So problema uli. That's the good thing about a series. We can adjust," said Belga.
Santos expects Fajardo to bounce back in Game Two slated Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"What more kung si June Mar talaga, nakukuha niya average niya. Hindi ako makapaniwala kasi si June Mar, hindi bagay sa kanya 'yung one rebound. Nanalo kami pero hindi pa ganun kaganda laro ni June Mar, what more kung nandyan pa 'yun," said Santos.
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