UNIVERSITY of the Philippines is still keeping its fingers crossed that CJ Cansino will be fit to play in the do-or-die game against La Salle on Friday.
Maroons coach Goldwin Monteverde said the 6-foot-2 slasher sat out the opener of the UAAP Season 84 Final Four as he heals up from a bone bruise on his right knee.
[See CJ Cansino diagnosed with bone bruise on right knee]
His status remains the same for the sudden-death match.
"Kay CJ, for now day-to-day kami. Hinihintay pa namin talaga kung ano yung final result ng kanyang injury," said Monteverde on the heels of UP's 83-80 loss to La Salle on Wednesday.
The Diliman side sorely missed the presence of Cansino, who has been averaging 9.3 points on 28-percent shooting from threes, to go with 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 18 minutes of play this season.
Cansino went down at the final 41-second mark of the third quarter during a scramble against Chris Koon last Sunday, clutching his right knee before he was stretchered out of the court. UP went on to win that game over Ateneo, 84-83.
Against La Salle, Monteverde desperately tried to find a spark off the bench and got solid outings from Gerry Abadiano and Brix Ramos. But the Maroons will need Cansino to beat the Green Archers for a spot in the finals.
The UP coach is positive that Cansino will be back in the fold come Friday.
"We’re very optimistic naman na makabalik siya," Monteverde said.
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