TNT’s Castro doubtful for Game 5

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

 

With Ray Parks Jr. already out since Game Two after aggravating his pre-bubble injury, the TNT Tropang Giga suffered another major blow after Jayson Castro was listed as doubtful after hurting his knee in Game Four.

The “Best Point Guard in Asia” grimaced in pain as he fell to the floor after a drive to the basket.

Castro would later on exit the game at the 9:35 mark of the third quarter and had to be assisted by his teammates going to the bench.

With Castro on the bench, Ginebra built an 18-point lead before surviving TNT’s late rally led by Roger Pogoy to survive with a 98-88 victory.

Coach Ravena then announced that it was Castro’s bone spurs that caused the injury, following an aggravated calf injury he suffered in the middle part of the PBA bubble.

“His knee bone spur is bothering him. Papatanggal after this conference. Day-to-day siya, we’ll see if kaya on Wednesday. If not, next man up,” confirmed coach Ravena.

Already facing an uphill battle being down 3-1 in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals, TNT coach Bong Ravena will now be looking for his other players to step up.