THE Meralco Bolts faces a major setback in their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals playoff against the TNT Tropang 5G as star guard Chris Newsome has been ruled out due to a knee injury suffered in Game Three.
Newsome, sources revealed, sustained a hyperextended left knee injury following a collision with TNT’s Rey Nambatac, who was driving to the basket after contact from Chris Banchero.
READ Meralco holds breath as Newsome exits Game 3
While Meralco coach Luigi Trillo classified Newsome as a 'gametime decision,' sources bared doctors have advised him to "avoid strenuous activity for the next four weeks."
"It depends on how New feels," said Trillo, adding the good news is that doctors have found the Bolts guard's "ACL and MCL are intact."
It was also revealed that the Gilas Pilipinas mainstay had already been playing through pain due to injuries ot his thumb and index finger prior to the knee incident.
Newsome's absence leaves a significant void in the Bolts' rotation, particularly as they face a formidable TNT backcourt featuring Nambatac, Jio Jalalon, Simon Enciso, Roger Pogoy, and Jordan Heading.
Meralco faces a critical test this Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena as they attempt to equalize the series at 2-2 without their ace playmaker. - with reports from Reuben Terrado
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