Colegio de San Juan de Letran transferee standout Rhenz Abando remains hopeful that he can return in Game 2 after going down with a sprained ankle in the opener of the NCAA Season 97 men's basketball finals on Sunday.
Abando went for a putback slam at the 3:20 mark of the third quarter after a missed basket from Brent Paraiso. He, however, looked to be in pain after landing on the foot of teammate Louie Sangalang.
The high-flying Abando did not return to the game after that point, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds in under 20 minutes of play.
"Kanina sobrang nalulungkot ako kasi kailangan na kailangan ako tapos may nangyari pa sa akin na ganito, nagdasal na lang talaga ako na sana mag step-up 'yung mga teammates ko," Abando said after the Letran victory.
"Masakit talaga, 'di ko talaga makaya 'yung sakit kaya napadaasal na lang ako na sana mag step-up po 'yung iba."
His prayers were answered as Letran managed to escape with a 68-63 win to move closer to a successful defense of their Season 95 title.
There were no shortage of heroes for the Knights' side with Paraiso and Sangalang leading the way with 14 points each and veteran Fran Yu and Jeo Ambohot making clutch plays in the endgame.
But as for Game 2, Abando shared he will undergo medical examinations and is hoping he can get the clearance to play as the next game won't be until next Sunday.
"Magpapa-X-ray pa kami mamaya. So far, wala pa naman pero sana hindi serious para makabalik tayo sa Game 2. Namamaga lang siya."
—JMB, GMA News
