Jireh Ibañes apologizes for tough rebound play

Rain or Shine wingman Jireh Ibañes apologized for the box out play which led to June Mar Fajardo's injury in Game Six of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup semifinals, but also insisted that he did not intend to hurt the San Miguel Beer center.

 

The two players were fighting for a rebounding position when the 6-foot-10 slotman went down clutching his left knee at the 7:11 mark of the third quarter. Fajardo was taken out of the game in stretcher and was eventually taken to the hospital.

 

"I'm just trying to box him out," Ibañes said. "Nangyayari 'yun e. It's basketball, sometimes pag-box out natin, that's it. Sana talaga okay siya."

 

The veteran defensive enforcer said when the ball went up, he simply tried to be in the best position to get the rebound.

 

"Hopefully, it won't be that serious, hopefully he can play in the finals. I wish them well, and I pray for his quick recovery," he said.

 

"I can't emphasize enough how sorry I am."

 

Despite Fajardo's absence, the Beermen won 90-82 to advance to the Philippine Cup finals against Alaska.

 

The Elasto Painters were once again eliminated in the semifinals just like last season's Philippine Basketball Association All-Filipino conference. — APG/BAP, GMA News