The Bolts had to play with an all-Filipino lineup in the dying minutes.
Meralco Bolts coach Luigi Trillo looked more worried than happy even after his wards repulsed the NLEX Road Warriors, 97-94, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday.
That’s because import Su Braimoh went down with under four minutes remaining in the game at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
As he was about to attack Sean Anthony in the post, Braimoh suddenly fell to the floor. He stayed there for a couple more minutes before he was assisted to the dugout.
It was later revealed Braimoh felt something pop in his left Achilles.
“A win is a win but we’re worried with Su. He felt something in his Achilles,” Trillo, who described his prized ward as a “perfect fit” for the team, said after the match.
“Seeing him like that takes away a little bit of the win for us,” he added.
Chris Banchero, whose floater off a Chris Newsome high pick with 2.8 ticks to go proved to be the game-winner, echoed his mentor’s sentiment.
“I feel really bad for Su. He’s such a good guy. It’s really unfortunate,” said Banchero, who finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists in his second game back from injury.
Before leaving the game, Braimoh was two points away from tying his PBA career-high of 40 points. He also had eight rebounds and four assists.
This sorry incident could potentially be a big blow to the Bolts, who now hold a 4-1 win-loss record and seem to be playing beautiful music with their reinforcement.
Trillo and company could only hope the injury isn't too serious.
(MDB)