REY Nambatac admitted the physicality of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between TNT and Meralco is beginning to take its toll on him.
The 31-year-old guard went down with not just one but two injuries in Friday’s Game 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum which the Tropang 5G lost, 97-89.
A hurting back slowed Nambatac down in the first half before going down with a sprained ankle late in the game as TNT lost for the first time in the series.
READ: Meralco holds off TNT to finally get on board in PBA PH Cup semis
Despite the twin injuries, Nambatac still finished with 13 points mostly from the foul line, while adding two rebounds, and three assists.
He also plans to suit up for Sunday’s Game 4, injury and all.
“Most likely ilalaro ko ito,” quipped Nambatac, who walked out of the Big Dome with a slight limp as he favors his sprained left ankle.
He considered the game the most bruising so far in the series, which TNT still leads, 2-1.
“Ito yata yung masasabi ko sa series namin sa Meralco na pure physicality talaga,” Nambatac stressed.
At halftime, the former NCAA champion player out of Letran had to wear a brace to support his hurting back.
“Sumakit yung likod ko,” he said. “Kasi kami bilang isang guawardiya, ang dami naming dinadaanan na mga picks. Kaya sumakit yung likod ko.
“Buti na lang meron tayong mga PTs na umalalay sa atin kaya na-lessen naman (pain).”
Meanwhile, he sprained his ankle with four minutes remaining and the Tropang 5G trailing, 89-81.
“Pagka-bump sa akin ni (Cliff) Hodge nawalan ako ng balance, tapos dumulas yung left (foot) ko kaya natapilok ako,” he said.
“Good thing naman naka-ankle brace ako so kahit papano hind ganun kalala.”
Nambatac though, has to make a wait-and-see attitude if the sprained ankle will be swollen by Saturday.
“Medyo may kaunting maga lang pero yung adrenaline kasi andyan pa,” he said. “Pero tingnan natin mamayang gabi or bukas kung ano yung epekto ng tapilok kung mamamaga ba or hindi. Pero sana hindi.”
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