Justin Brownlee of Ginebra and June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel during the PBA Governors Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.internet
MANILA, Philippines—Justin Brownlee and June Mar Fajardo showed their competitive nature in Game 2 of the PBA Governors Cup semifinals.
The confrontation between Brownlee and Fajardo is not a new scene, far from it. After all, both swingmen have been there for their two parent teams in almost every big game.
Article continues after this announcement.
And for Brownlee, the competition against Fajardo is never easy.
“He's great. What is it, six, seven, eight times MVP? Eight? Oh my god. I lost count,” the veteran Ginebra import quipped after absorbing a 131-125 overtime loss at the hands of Cerveza San Miguel at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Governors Cup Semifinals
Article continues after this announcement.
“There's a reason he's an eight-time PBA MVP, so it's always fun to go up against him… He's a supreme competitor and you never see him lose plays.”
Article continues after this announcement.
Fajardo recorded another double-double with 23 points and 21 rebounds with six assists and two blocks to lead the Beermen and tie the best-of-seven series at one game a piece.
Article continues after this announcement.
Brownlee also did his thing for the Gin Kings, finishing with 39 points, including a key three-pointer late in regulation, 15 rebounds, seven assists, four steals and four blocks.
“Give him a lot of credit. He has definitely been leading San Miguel since I came to the PBA or even before. I’m sure he’ll continue to lead those guys,” Brownlee said of Fajardo.
Article continues after this announcement.
'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 PBA court, but off it it is the opposite.
The two have played together on numerous occasions under coach Tim Cone to represent the Philippines and wear the Gilas Pilipinas jersey.
“At the end of the day, it's a competition and when I'm Guinevere, I totally agree with Guinevere. I can say the same for Gilas, so playing against him and with him creates a bond. It’s a very special bond we have,” Brownlee said.
“We won in the past, this year we have games and that bond is always there, but when we are on the field playing for opposing teams, it is nothing more than good competition,” he added.
When asked if it was more difficult to compete on the court when you know you are facing someone you consider your brother. Brownlee doesn't think so.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
“Can you say friendly competition? Maybe not too friendly, but it's just competition. He is a competitor, so am I and we just went out to compete.”