SAN Miguel center June Mar Fajardo is ready for the physicality as Meralco continues to try to contain the six-time PBA MVP in their Philippine Cup semifinal.
Fajardo thinks that he needs to stay focused with the Bolts’ defense surrounding him in the paint with two, three men.
The SMB big man, a prime candidate for the Best Player of the Conference, admitted he has also been affected by the physicality, at times resorting to complaining to the referees.
“Ineexpect ko naman ‘yun. Hinahanda ko katawan ko sa physicality. Expected na ‘yun,” said Fajardo.
[See Black in a quandary as Meralco beset by fouls vs SMB]
“Kailangan lang mag-focus sa game. Hindi ko na kailangang mag-complain sa referee. Hindi ko trabaho ‘yun. Trabaho ng referee ‘yun kung tatawagan o hindi.”
San Miguel guns for a 3-1 series lead over Meralco on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum with Fajardo one of the forces responsible for the Beermen’s success.
Fajardo averaged 21.5 points and 16.5 rebounds over the past two games in which SMB has turned to him during important stretches. It has forced Meralco to commit too many fouls with Raymond Almazan, Cliff Hodge, Raymar Jose, and Kyle Pascual among those trying to slow him down.
Meralco coach Norman Black said they need to be scrappy in order to have a chance against Fajardo and the powerhouse Beermen to have a shot at winning this series.
Fajardo is ready.
“Kailangan ko mag-focus sa game, kung paano ako makakatulong sa team. Kung sa rebound lang, kung no need mag-score, okay lang sa akin. Basta makatulong ako sa team,” said Fajardo.
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