Fajardo doubtful for Game 2
Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
If June Mar Fajardo isn’t healthy, San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria won’t play him with the risk of aggravating his injury.
“I would rather lose the series than putting June Mar’s playing career at risk,” said Austria.
Fajardo personally visited renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Raul Canlas Monday morning, and the 6-foot-10 behemoth got an assurance his ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) are intact.
“Ganon pa rin ang sinabi ni Doc Canlas. Kailangan lang daw mawala ang pain at swelling. If he can wear a brace, he can play by Friday or Sunday,” said Austria.
The morning after Game 1, Fajardo still felt pain in his left knee. Thus, he remains doubtful for Game 2 of the Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Finals set at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Austria, however, is hopeful they can beat Alaska even without Fajardo.
“Binugbog kami sa rebounds in Game One. But even then, two defensive rebounds lang siguro ang kinailangan namin sa endgame, at baka naisalba namin ang game,” said Austria.
Minus Fajardo, the Beermen are missing his average of 14.9 rebounds a game.
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