UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio is sweating on the availability of senior guard Jeric Fortuna a day before the Tigers take on Ateneo in the deciding game of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League Finals.
Fortuna suffered an ankle sprain while playing for Blackwater in the PBA D-League on Tuesday and skipped practice with the Tigers on Wednesday, two days before the winner-take-all showdown with the Eagles at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
"Nag-adjust kami kasi di pa nakasama sa practice namin si Fort," said Jarencio of Fortuna.
Jarencio, however, is not giving up hope that his starting guard will be fit enough to play in Game Three of the Finals. "Nakausap ko naman siya sabi niya ipapahinga lang 'yun. So baka makalaro pa rin siya. Pero ganun pa man prepared kami (na maglaro na wala s'ya)," the UST coach said.
The Tigers threw away a chance to wrap up their first PCCL title last November 29 when a defensive blunder allowed Kiefer Ravena to steal Game Two for the Blue Eagles, 70-69.
But Jarencio promised to bounce back in the 3:30 p.m. match.
"Lalaban naman tayo eh. Never say die," said Jarencio.
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