Fajardo relieved Davis unhurt: Beermen seek No. 2 vs Road Warriors

MANILA, Philippines - Relieved that Meralco import Josh Davis was spared of any serious injury, Junemar Fajardo said he can now focus on the task at hand – try to lead San Miguel Beer against NLEX in a key Tuesday double-header in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

“I won’t be bothered anymore,” said Fajardo on the eve of their match with the Road Warriors.

Fajardo got worried after he accidentally undercut Davis on his way to the basket during their PBA road game in Cagayan de Oro last Saturday, causing the Meralco import to crash down hard on the floor and miss the final half of the game. The Beermen won in runaway fashion, 102-86, to snap an alarming four-game skid after snaring the PBA All-Filipino crown against Alaska in seven games.

Stunned by his fall, Davis quickly got up, looking to confront Fajardo, only to crumble to the floor as he grimaced in pain.

MRI test results, however, showed no fracture or any other serious injury for the energetic Meralco import.

“I didn’t expect that to happen. I wanted to attend to him and help him, but I didn’t know what to do,” said Fajardo. “I just uttered a silent prayer. I’m not a dirty player. I don’t want harm to any player.”

With Davis out, Arizona Reid debuted for San Miguel Beer with 29 points, 13 rebounds and three assists against two turnovers.

Reid, however, may find it tough versus NLEX import Al Thornton as the two teams try to break their tie at 10th place.

The Beermen and the Road Warriors break their tie at 10th place, both eyeing a second win in six games in their 4:15 p.m. tiff to be proceeded by the 7 p.m. matchup between Barako Bull (3-2) and Alaska Milk (2-3).

With the Meralco team accepting Fajardo’s apology over the incident, the SMB main man can now concentrate on their 4:15 p.m. game against the Road Warriors.

Fajardo came through with 22 rebounds and 21 points in a dominant showing against the Bolts.

Meanwhile, Barako Bull (3-2) and Alaska (2-3) clash in the 7 p.m. main game with both teams looking to improve their record in the middle of the team standings.

“The goal is to match, if not surpass, the intensity and energy of Alaska. We have to execute and be disciplined on offense because we can’t afford to lose the ball,” said Barako coach Koy Banal.

“The game will be a tough one for us. Barako is one of the best defensive teams in the league right now and coach Koy really has them playing as a team,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton.

“(Sol) Alabi is an impressive import and we have to find ways to limit his easy baskets,” Compton also said.