Fajardo shrugs off frustrations after fouling out, vows to bounce back

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo downplayed his premature exit from the court after he fouled out late in Game 4 of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against TNT Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fajardo was in foul trouble early in the game, incurring two in the first quarter alone, and he eventually left the floor with 2:02 left after hitting TNT import Joshua Smith on a shot attempt.

“Fouling out? That’s part of the game,” said Fajardo after the Beermen lost to the KaTropa 102-97.

In a game where that went testy to say the least, Fajardo admitted he was quite frustrated but he vowed to leave the loss behind and get to Game 5 with a more positive outlook.

“I frustrated a little bit, but that’s just how it is,” said Fajardo who finished with 13 points and nine boards. “The game’s over, we just have to learn from it and bounce back in the next game.”

Fajardo, who had difficulty matching up against the heftier Smith, even joked the TNT big man doesn’t seem to be injured.

Smith injured his right foot in the semifinals series between TNT and Ginebra and only missed one game before returning to action.

“I don’t think he’s even injured,” joked Fajardo. “We just need to rest and follow the game plan and bounce back.”