PBA semis: June Mar Fajardo hits face on floor in hard fall

MANILA, Philippines—In another scary sight, June Mar Fajardo hit the left side of his face hard on the floor late in the first half of San Miguel Beer’s game against Phoenix in Game 1 of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals Saturday night.

Fajardo lost his balance while fighting for position on a rebound play against Phoenix’s Doug Kramer and Calvin Abueva at the 3:33 mark of the second quarter with the Beermen leading, 38-31.

The San Miguel center stayed down on the floor with his face down that left the Mall of Asia crowd holding its breath. He got back on his feet and slowly walked back to the bench.

The reigning five-time MVP appears to be fine after starting the second half where he helped his team extend its lead to 22.

It was the second time in less than week where Fajardo was shaken up after his knee buckled late in the Beermen’s loss to the TNT KaTrop in Game 2 of their quarterfinals duel five nights ago.

The 29-year-old Fajardo has nine points, six rebounds, two assists and a block. San Miguel leads, 76-57, with under five minutes left in the third quarter as of posting time.