GILAS Pilipinas has lost another player as the 31st FIBA Asia Cup enters its most crucial stage.
CJ Perez is doubtful to play in the quarterfinals against reigning champion Australia after twisting his ankle badly late in the first half of the 95-88 overtime win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning (Manila time).
Gilas coach Tim Cone said the high-flying San Miguel wingman was brought to the hospital shortly after the game at the King Abdullah Sports City to have his injured foot examined by doctors.
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“Looks like it’s a bad injury. He’s in the hospital now,” said the Gilas mentor as he spoke during the post-game presser.
The national team was already without shooting forward Calvin Oftana in the game against Saudi also due to a sprained ankle.
The 31-year-old Perez hurt his ankle just 70 seconds after entering the game in the second quarter. He sat out Gilas' final group-stage game against Iraq.
“We don’t know the extent of it, but it didn’t look good,” said Cone. “I’m not going to pretend to be a doctor and tell you what it is, but it was not a good injury. So our prayers are with him.”
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