Fajardo’s fate hangs in the balance

San Miguel Beer is keeping its fingers crossed as it awaits the official result on the MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of June Mar Fajardo after the reigning back-to-back MVP injured his left knee in Game 6 of their semifinal series against Rain or Shine last Friday.

The 6-10 Fajardo crumbled to the floor in pain with eight minutes to play in the third period after getting bumped by Rain or Shine guard Jireh Ibanes.

Fajardo was carried off the court on a stretcher and was taken to the locker room as team doctors checked on his knee before he was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital where he had an MRI.

San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla yesterday said that initial findings showed that both the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are “intact” although the team is still awaiting the official MRI results.

“That’s the good news, it’s intact – ACL and PCL,” said Abanilla in a telephone interview by The Bulletin. “Well, that’s the initial findings on June Mar.”

“We’ll know the severity (of the knee injury) with the MRI results. Hopefully no tear, that it’s just a bruise or maybe a strain,” Abanilla said, adding that test will be released on Monday.

SMB went on to win the game, 90-82, to close out the semifinal affair with a 4-2 victory over Rain or Shine and arranged a rematch opposite Alaska in the bestof-seven finals showdown starting today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Leo Austria-mentored Beermen defeated the Aces in a classic seven-game titular showdown that went the distance with SMB winning a thrilling Game 7.

Fajardo averages 31.33 points, 15.67 rebounds, 1.67 assists and 2.67 shot blocks versus ROS in the semifinal series, including a 40-point and 20-rebound performance in Game 3.

He finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds in Game 6.

Overall, the native of Cebu averages 26 points, 14.82 rebounds, 1.65 assists and 2.12 shot blocks this conference and is the leading contender for the Best Player of the Conference (BPC).

Fajardo is likewise on the national team training pool of Gilas Pilipinas that will compete in this year’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).