INJURED and all, Titing Manalili wouldn't miss San Beda-Letran game for the world.
Going against doctor's orders, the second-year guard suited up on Monday and tried his earnest to come through for the Knights.
Unfortunately for Manalili, his valiant effort would not come to fruition as San Beda took the 74-65 overtime win against bitter rival Letran in what is their only eliminations clash this NCAA Season 102.
READ: Torculas powers San Beda past Letran after gritty back-and-forth
"Ayokong di makalaro lalo na San Beda ang kalaban," he told Spin.ph, obviously with the memories of last season's Finals heartbreak ripe in his mind.
"Syempre pag Letran ayaw mong matalo sa San Beda. Kaya kahit na ganito, naglaro pa rin ako."
Doctors advised Manalili to take two to four weeks of rest to fully recover from his right wrist injury.
But he's choosing to play through the pain, going as far as starting the game for the Muralla crew before finishing with 13 points, eight assists, six steals, and five rebounds.
The injury, however, is undeniable, affecting his shooting as he only went 6-of-13 from the field including three missed triples and an equally horrid 1-of-7 clip from the free throw line.
Manalili, though, is bucking those notions and promised that he's gonna be just fine.
"Lalaro pa rin ako next game. Kakayanin kasi kailangan," shared the Cebuano court general.
And this early, Manalili couldn't wait for that next shot against the Red Lions -- may it be in the playoffs or even more, in the championship.
"Gusto kong maramdaman ulit yung ganito pag nakaharap ko ulit sila," he said.
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