RAIN or Shine’s title bid in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup was dealt a major blow after import Wayne Chism suffered a knee injury early in the first half of Game Two of the team’s semifinal series against Talk `N Text on Wednesday night.
The Texters beat the Painters, 94-87, for a 2-0 series lead.
League doctor Vincent Jay Guab’s initial diagnosis said the former Tennessee standout may have suffered a Grade 2 sprain in his medial collateral ligament (MCL) on his left knee after landing awkwardly during a rebound battle with Richard Howell.
“Parang may medial collateral ligament sprain, possible grade two,” Guab told Spin.ph shortly after examining the left knee of Chism.
The 6-foot-8 Chism, who has raised his game during the playoffs, was grimacing in pain when Guab initially examined his left knee inside the team’s dugout.
Guab suggested the hardworking Rain or Shine import undergo an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to get a more accurate reading on his knee, which has since been packed with ice to ease the swelling.
“Better to verify by MRI later, but we’ll try to patch it up, put some muscle taping,” he added. “Kapag pinalaro mo ng may grade two injury, delikado, pero I have to check.”
Chism was helped out by his teammates to get up after spending a few minutes on the floor.
He walked gingerly to the free throw line later on, to shoot two foul free throws before being replaced by Larry Rodriguez.
Talk ‘N Text led 34-29 with 5:11 to go in the second period after Chism was replaced. The 26-year-old import already had 10 points, seven rebounds, and two blocked shots when he left the game.
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