Fajardo's initial test looks good; final MRI result to be known Monday

MANILA, Philippines -- Although San Miguel fans fear for the worst, Beermen team manager Gee Abanilla said initial diagnosis looked good for two-time league MVP June Mar Fajardo, who hurt his left knee during the fourth period of the team’s series-clinching 90-82 win over Rain or Shine on Friday night.

“Nagpa MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) na si June Mar.   And actually, binabasa ng maigi yung MRI. Ang kagandahan, the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) on June Mar’s left knee are intact, nabugbog lang,” Abanilla told Philstar.com on Saturday.

Nonetheless, Abanilla said the 6-foot-10 Fajardo’s left knee had been put on an immobilizer to prevent further damage.

“Medyo maga siyempre so we’re not ruling out anything. Pinaga-aralan pa rin ng mga doctor yung tuhod so depende kung ano ang resulta,” he added.

Asked if the leading Best Player of the Conference candidate could possibly play in Game One of the Finals on Sunday against Alaska, Abanilla didn’t give a straight answer.

“Hindi definite eh. Puwedeng may makuhang balita kami mamaya or bukas pa, or baka sa Monday,” said the amiable San Miguel team official.

“But we’re positive naman na mukhang okay naman so I’m not ruling out anything (in Game One). Tingnan natin. I’m not really sure kung ano pwede mangyari,” he said.

Fajardo underwent MRI late Friday at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Global City to check on the extent of his injury.

The San Miguel big man crumpled on the floor during the 7:11 mark of Game Six after colliding with Rain or Shine’s defensive ace Jireh Ibanes, while the latter was boxing him out.

He had to be carried out of the court in stretcher and was eventually brought to St. Luke’s for MRI.

Arwind Santos and the rest of the Beermen though came through with a spirited effort, finishing off the Elasto Painters with their whirlwind fourth-quarter offensive to clinch the series, 4-2, arranging the Finals rematch against the Aces.