Gilas Pilipinas June Mar Fajardo during its game against New Zealand in the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup. –FIBA BASKETBALL
June Mar Fajardo had a more respectable showing amid the stinging loss to New Zealand that dropped Gilas Pilipinas on the brink of a possible early exit in the Fiba Asia Cup.
Fajardo finished with 11 points and four rebounds after appearing for 25 minutes as a starter in Gilas’ 94-86 loss on Thursday at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
READ: Gilas Pilipinas falls to New Zealand, drops to 0-2 in Fiba Asia Cup
While there were times when New Zealand was able to make its way over Fajardo, it was still an improvement for the big man from his previous showing when Gilas began the continental tournament on a rough note.
The eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player was a subject of criticism from fans after posting just two points and two rebounds while turning the ball over three times in Gilas’ 95-87 defeat at the hands of Chinese-Taipei.
READ: June Mar Fajardo’s woes add to Gilas’ struggles in Asia Cup loss
San Miguel Beer teammates Chris Ross and Jericho Cruz–who is playing for Guam in the same competition–were quick to come to the defense of the 6-foot-10 center.
Coach Tim Cone started both Fajardo and AJ Edu, with the latter staying on the court during the closing minutes when Gilas tried but failed to complete a comeback from 18 down in the second quarter.
It was not just the only tinker Cone made in his starting lineup as Dwight Ramos came in place of CJ Perez, who was not used throughout the game after playing for just five minutes against Taiwan.
Jamie Malonzo, meanwhile, was again a DNP (did not play) for the second time in a row while Kevin Quiambao, who dropped 17 the last time, had five points and two assists in almost 10 minutes.
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