Fajardo sees semis exit as chance to replenish ‘drained’ Beermen
San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo attempts a one-hander against Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga during Game 4 of their semifinals series on Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
June Mar Fajardo knows that in the end, one team can’t win everything.
“Ganun talaga. Gusto rin nila manalo,” the two-time MVP Fajardo said after San Miguel bowed out of the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup following a blowout loss to Rain or Shine on Sunday. “Gusto namin manalo pero ganun talaga, talo eh. Di mo naman maipapanalo lahat.”
With Arizona Reid back in tow for Game 4, the Beermen were determined to attempt another “beer-acle.”
But Paul Lee and Rain or Shine had other plans, ending the best-of-five series with a 124-99 beatdown of San Miguel.
That quashed any Grand Slam hopes for the Beermen, who came into this year’s Commissioner’s Cup having ruled three of the last four conferences.
Fajardo said fatigue may have gotten the better of San Miguel, noting that ever since the team won the third conference last season, the Beermen haven’t had enough time to rest and heal their bodies.
“Siguro pagod na rin. Drain na drain na rin kami eh kasi three conferences straight kami eh, pero hindi excuse yun. Natalo lang talaga kami,” he said.
But ever the optimist, Fajardo looks at the break as a chance to heal nagging injuries in hopes of helping the Beermen climb back on top.
“Babawi kami next conference,” he said. “Mahaba yung preparation namin at makakapagpahinga kami. Yung may injury, makakapagpahinga. Baka uuwi muna ako ng Cebu for ilang days, then balik dito for Gilas. Kailangan ko lang makita yung mama ko. Then hopefully, nasa taas ulit kami by next conference.”
