JUNE Mar Fajardo needed to play with a mask on Friday against Barangay Ginebra after suffering a broken nose.

Coach Jorge Gallent said the seven-time MVP of San Miguel almost didn’t play against the Kings as the mask fitted for him almost didn’t arrive on time.

Fajardo injured his nose during San Miguel’s game against Phoenix after it was hit by Simon Camacho on Easter Sunday.

“His mask just arrived today,” said Gallent. “And lucky June Mar played with a mask because the doctors don’t want him to play [without one].”

Fajardo and the Beermen survived a late charge by Barangay Ginebra to prevail, 95-92, and remain unbeaten in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The 34-year-old Fajardo admitted he’s not used playing with a face mask for the first time.

“Nakakailang,” said the San Miguel big man, who was fitted with the mask only just Tuesday.

Fajardo admitted there’s a fracture on the part of his nose, although no timetable was given him on when until he will wear the mask.

“Pero OK lang. Wala namang namamatay sa (broken nose),” he said. “Basta walang complication and nakakahinga ka ng maayos.”

Fajardo will have his nose checked up by next week to further see the extent of the damage.