Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee and San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo showed their competitive natures in Game 2 of the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.
Brownlee and Fajardo clashing isn’t a new scene by all means necessary. After all, both swingmen have been there for both their mother teams in almost every important game.
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And for Brownlee, the competition against Fajardo is never easy.
“He’s great. What is it, six, seven, eight-time MVP? Eight? Oh my God. I lost count,” said the longtime Ginebra import in jest after absorbing a 131-125 loss in overtime at the hands of San Miguel Beer at Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals
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“There’s a reason why he’s an eight-time PBA MVP so it’s always fun going up against him… He’s an ultimate competitor and you never see him take plays off.”
Fajardo notched himself another double-double with 23 points and 21 rebounds with six assists and two blocks to lead the Beermen in tying the best-of-seven series to one game a piece.
Brownlee also did his own thing for the Gin Kings, finiushing with 39 points–including a key four pointer late in regulation–15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and four blocks.
“Give him a lot of credit. He’s definitely been leading San Miguel since I came to the PBA or even before. I’m sure he’ll keep leading those guys,” said Brownlee of Fajardo.
‘Friendly competition’
Ginebra import June Mar Fajardo against San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo during the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals. –PBA IMAGES
They may be fierce competitors on the court in the PBA, but it’s the opposite outside of it.
Both have played together numerous times under coach Tim Cone to represent the Philippines and don the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.
“At the end of the day, it’s a competition and when I’m Ginebra, I’m all in with Ginebra. I can say the same thing for Gilas so playing against him and with him, it creates a bond. It’s a very special bond we have,” said Brownlee.
“We won in the past, this year we have games and that bond is always there but when we’re on the court playing for opposite teams, it’s nothing but good competition,” he added.
When asked whether it was it harder to compete on the hardwood when you know you’re facing someone you consider your brother? Brownlee doesn’t think so.
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“Can you say friendly competition? Maybe not too friendly but it’s just competition. He’s a competitor, so am I and we just go out there to compete.”