RR Pogoy is doubtful for Game 3 after sustaining a hamstring injury that he has been dealing with since the start of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup playoffs.
Pogoy said he sustained the injury during the quarterfinals against Magnolia, but played through it in the series where he even averaged 24 points in the pair of games.
He also had 28 points in Game 1 of the semifinals against Rain or Shine, but he aggravated that injury in the first half of Game 2 on Friday night.
READ: Oftana scores 39 as TNT frustrates Rain or Shine yet again in OT
“Actually, Game 2 pa lang ng Magnolia, may nararamdaman na ako. And then parang ‘yun na, nilaro ko lang,” said Pogoy, referring to the knockout game where he had 18 points in their 80-79 win over Magnolia to book a ticket to the semifinals.
“Kanina lang nung nag-layup ako, parang hindi ko na maangat."
Pogoy said he was told by doctors that the injury isn’t serious though he will likely sit out Game 3 due to it.
“Nung tinitignan ng doktor, hindi naman siya grabe pero pinapahinga lang ako para hindi mag-grabe,” said Pogoy.
“Sabi ng doktor, day-to-day pero Sunday daw parang hindi pa kaya talaga sa Sunday."
Even with Pogoy out after playing for 11 minutes and finishing with 11 points, TNT still got plenty of firepower from one of the Tropang 5G’s top gun and Pogoy’s ‘Amigo’ Calvin Oftana, who lit up for 39 points in their 113-105 overtime win in Game 2.
After watching most of Friday’s game on the bench, Pogoy also lauded the effort of the bench players who also stepped up in the victory.
“Talagang hats off talaga ako kay Amigo Calvin,” said Pogoy. “Sabi ko nga sa kanya, Amigo, wala ako, hindi ko na kayang bumalik. Ikaw na bahala. Sabi nga niya, ako bahala sayo. Hindi lang si ‘Migo, pati si Kim Aurin, ang ganda ng pinakita. Almond Vosotros. Lahat ng players, nag-step up talaga. Ganun naman talaga kami. Ilan na nga ‘yung injured namin.”
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