A TIGHT calf prevented June Mar Fajardo from going full throttle in San Miguel's 96-85 loss to Magnolia in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals Friday night.
The injury kept the seven-time MVP from playing in the endgame of the Beermen's second straight loss in the best-of-seven title series.
Fajardo exited the game at the 5:14 mark and the Beermen trailed, 85-79. He never returned.
The 6-foot-10 Beerman later admitted to his hurting calf.
"Nag tight yung calf ko kaya kailangan i-check (bukas)," said the Cebuano big man.
He said no contact was made as the calf tightened on its own.
"Kaya hindi na rin siya ipinilit," said Fajardo of his absence in the homestretch of the game.
Fajardo finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds.
Without San Miguel's pillar in the middle, Ian Sangalang imposed his presence inside and scored six of his 13 points in an 11-4 Magnolia run to finally decide the outcome of the match, 96-83 with 59 seconds to go.
Fajardo said he'll have his left calf checked a day before Game 5, but assured he's ready to suit up as the Beermen try to avoid losing a third straight game in the title series.
"Oo makakalaro ako," he emphatically said.
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