TNT’s Troy Rosario doubtful to return in PBA finals

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The TNT Tropang Giga will have to hurdle a tough challenge as star forward Troy Rosario was labeled as ‘doubtful’ to return in the next games of the ongoing 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

After thorough medical tests showed that Rosario suffered a spinal shock and a dislocated pinky finger in a collision with Magnolia’s Jackson Corpuz, Tropang Giga team manager Gabby Cui revealed his status for the rest of the finals.

During Game 3 of the PBA Finals, Rosario was off to the races for an easy layup but contact from Corpuz caused him to fall on his back. Corpuz would later be assessed a flagrant foul and an ejection for the play.

Frustrated, some of Rosario’s teammates including RR Pogoy, Jason Castro, and Poy Erram expressed their anger towards Corpuz which resulted in a heated argument on the court.

Rosario remained on the floor for almost five minutes but was able to get up on his own. Several minutes after, a picture of his dislocated pinky went viral on social media.

The play also resulted in Corpuz being summoned to the PBA office and will be called for a special deliberation headed by commissioner Willie Marcial.

The Tropang Giga is currently holding a 2-1 PBA PH Cup finals lead against the Magnolia Hotshots and are looking to increase their series advantage as they clash in a highly-anticipated Game 4.