TERRAFIRMA missed two key players as it kicked off its campaign in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Veteran wingman Kevin Ferrer continued to recover from a torn Achilles, while rookie Kemark Carino was also out with a pulled muscle on his calf Friday in the Dyip’s 107-98 win over Converge at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both players, who are part of the team’s 14-man roster, watched the game from the sidelines.
Carino suffered a pulled muscle according to Cardel, and won’t be available at least until next Saturday when the team tackles TNT Tropang Giga.
“Nung Wednesday nag-scrimmage kami ng Northport, na pulled muscle siya,” said Cardel of the 6-foot-8 freshman.
Carino average 7.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in 16 minutes of play during the recent Commissioner’s Cup.
Ferrer’s case though, would need more time for him to fully recover as he continues to rehabilitate from the injury which he suffered during the pre-season On Tour last June.
“Si Kevin matagal pa. Baka middle of this conference pa, hopefully,” said the Terrafirma coach of the 30-year-old product of University of Santo Tomas.
“Tuluy-tuloy pa rin ang therapy niya.”
Cardel said Ferrer has yet to fully join Terrafirma in its regular scrimmages.
“Pakonti-konti lang, pero yung takbo lesser pa,” added the Dyip coach.
Despite the absence of the two, the Dyip weren’t lacking in scoring options against the FiberXers as Juami Tiongson erupted for 30 points, while top rookie pick Stephen Holt added 27 in their first ever win in five outings against Converge.
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