June Mar Fajardo sticks to positives ahead of do-or-die game against Brgy. Ginebra

San Miguel missed a golden opportunity to barge into the next round armed with a twice-to-beat advantage as the Grand Slam-seeking squad dropped a close one to bitter rival TNT KaTropa during the final game of the eliminations of the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

After KaTropa import KJ McDaniels gave his team a 2-point lead, 110-108, via a clutch triple with 38 ticks left on the game clock, June Mar Fajardo had a chance to tie the game but the 5-time league MVP split his free throws, got the rebound but missed again on a potential game-winning floater while TNT converted 4 straight freebies to ice the game, 114-109, and secure the much-coveted incentive.

“Sayang, sayang. Na-miss ko yung posible sana na game-winning shot. Pero ganoon talaga. Nakakalungkot,” said Fajardo who finished with 13 points and 10 boards in 32 minutes of play.

The loss dropped the Beermen to 5th seed and to an early meeting with sister team and 2017 Governors’ Cup titlist Brgy. Ginebra.

And with the recent suspension of Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid and Kelly Nabong due to a scuffle in practice, the Leo Austria-mentored squad is facing an uphill battle in its quest to snatch all the three crowns of the league’s 44th Season.

The 30-year old Fajardo, however, remains unperturbed and is keeping a positive mindset ahead of their quarterfinals opener on Sunday, November 24 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Trials lang ito para sa amin. Dito mate-test yung character namin. Hindi pa naman kami out, so kailangan maging positive lang kami sa mga nangyari. Positive lang kami sa game, positive yung approach namin sa Sunday,” said the 8-time PBA champion.