Angola def Gilas Pilipinas, 80-70 [2023 FIBA World Cup | Aug. 27, 2023]

Whether it’s a certified NBA All-Star like Karl Anthony Towns or an unheralded big man, Gilas Pilipinas star June Mar Fajardo said he always gives it his best regardless of who he faces.

Fajardo was among the bright spots in Gilas Pilipinas’ 81-87 loss to the Towns-powered Dominican Republic in Friday’s record-breaking FIBA World Cup game at the Philippine Arena.

The six-time PBA MVP banged in 16 points on an impeccable 5-of-5 field goal clip to go with seven rebounds. So big was Fajardo’s threat in lieu of the fouled-out Jordan Clarkson that the seven-foot Towns took the responsibility of guarding the Pinoy ace himself in the stretch.

“Malaki, magaling, syempre NBA player yun,” Fajardo said of the Minnesota Timberwolves stalwart.

He said he didn’t look at his high-profile opponent any differently from his usual matchups.

“Ako kapag andoon sa loob, gagawin ko makakaya ko. Hindi naman ako nakikipag-one-on-one sa ibang players, kung ano yung maitutulong sa team gagawin ko,” he said.

“The Kraken” vowed to help the Nationals rebound from that heartbreak in Bocaue when they take on fellow first-day loser Angola Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.