June Mar Fajardo says his right calf is okay, but his minutes will need to be managed

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel reclaimed the series lead in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals after defeating long-time rivals the San Miguel Beermen, 100–90, in Game 3 on Sunday, June 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Guard RJ Abarrientos broke free from the shackles that had kept him quiet in the first two games and erupted for Ginebra in Game 3, scoring 24 points, along with nine rebounds and eight assists, to lead his team to a 2–1 series lead. In fact, the shooting guard scored 22 of his 24 points in the second half, including 18 in the fourth quarter, to put the game out of San Miguel’s reach.

San Miguel entered Game 3 with concerns over the fitness of record eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) June Mar Fajardo, who was struggling with a right calf issue after straining it in Game 1.

Despite his injury and limited mobility, Fajardo still put in a shift, playing 27 minutes and recording a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. This was a marked improvement from his performance in Game 2, where he was limited to just two points and seven rebounds.

The 35-year-old gave an update on his right calf after the loss, revealing that he is feeling better and is available to play, but emphasized that his minutes on the court need to be managed.

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“It’s okay. There is a little tightness, but it doesn’t hurt much anymore, and we have two days of rest before Game 4. There were cramps in the area and a few tears, but it’s okay. It just gets tight, but the tear isn’t that intense, so I need my minutes to be managed,” Fajardo said.

In Fajardo’s absence from regular playing time, backup center Mo Tautuaa stepped up when called upon by head coach Leo Austria. The center recorded eight points and five rebounds in Game 3 as the starting center.

“I commend Mo Tautuaa and everyone the coach inserts in the game who steps up. We know Barangay Ginebra is a strong team, and they don’t lose easily,” he added.

It will be intriguing to see how many minutes Mar Fajardo plays in Game 4, as San Miguel needs a win, trailing 1–2 in the best-of-seven semifinal series. Game 4 of the Philippine Cup semifinals between the two teams will take place on Wednesday, July 2, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

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