Chris Newsome sat out Meralco’s Game 4 semifinal duel against TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup due to an MCL sprain.
Chris Newsome sat out Meralco's Game 4 match against TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals Sunday, Jan. 11.
As it turned out, Newsome suffered an MCL sprain late in the Bolts' Game 3 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum two days ago.
That happened with only two minutes remaining after a contact with teammate Chris Banchero, who drew a charge from Tropang 5G's Rey Nambatac but fell to Newsome’s knee.
Newsome grimaced in pain but did not need help trooping back to the bench.
The Gilas Pilipinas skipper missed the rest of the match. He collected 17 points, four rebounds and five assists before his late exit.
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Asked about the timeline of his return, Newsome said it could take three to five weeks, but could come sooner.
“As of right now, it can be anywhere between three to five weeks from what we know. There’s a possibility it can be shorter, depending on the severity of the sprain,” said Newsome.
Without Newsome, Meralco suffered a 102-83 beating from TNT, which now holds a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
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On the brink of elimination, the Bolts may still miss the services of Newsome in the do-or-die Game 5 set Wednesday, Jan. 14.
“Game 5, that will be a tough one to try to reach. But it does help we have an extra day between the games,” Newsome said.
“I will be doing my share of my recovery work from now until Wednesday to see if I can get out of the court. It’s already a good sign that I’m able to walk and stand on my own. So now, it's just a matter of getting a clearance from the doctor.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.