JAYSON Castro sustained an ankle sprain in his return to international play where he finished with 19 points in Team Pilipinas’ heartbreaking defeat over Iran on Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Castro was hobbling and was being assisted by national team head trainer Dexter Aseron on his way out of the Mall of Asia Arena, moments after the Philippines was unable to keep its lead and bowed to Iran, 78-70.
“Middle of the second tapos fourth quarter,” Castro said when asked when did he sprained his ankle.
Castro played through the pain and was able to score 15 points in the second half despite the ankle sprain.
“Siyempre hindi naman excuse ‘yung ma-injured. Talagang pinilit ko para makatulong sa team. ‘Yun, talo pa rin,” said a dejected Castro.
Castro even took a hit in the fourth quarter when he was hit in the head by Iran’s Rouzbeh Arghavan, who was attempting a block.
“Part ng game ‘yun. Ganun talaga. Kailangan maglaro pa rin. Alam naman natin kung gaano ka-importante ‘yung game,” said Castro.
Despite his impressive return, Castro couldn’t help but feel disappointed about the result of the match especially that Team Pilipinas appeared to have the win on the bag.
“Ganun talaga. Lahat naman ginawa natin. Binigay namin ‘yung best naming. Pero kung makikita niyo ‘yung buong game, controlled natin. ‘Yung last one minute, may mga mistake tayo na nakuha,” said Castro.
“At the same time, may mga tough shot sila na na-made. Ganun talaga. Siguro matuto talaga kami sa mali namin. Let’s try to win the next window,” the TNT guard added.
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