Colegio de San Juan de Letran head coach Bonnie Tan is hopeful that his high-flying forward Rhenz Abando will be able to return to action when they vie for a season sweep — and the championship — against Mapua University in Game 2 of the NCAA Season 97 finals next Sunday.
The 6-foot-2 Abando suffered an ankle injury after going for a putback slam late in the third period against the Cardinals and was ruled out for the rest of the game.
He finished with 13 points and seven rebounds as Letran managed to survive Mapua, 68-63, to move on the verge of back-to-back titles.
Abando underwent an X-ray on Sunday night to determine the severity of the injury.
"No fracture sa X-Ray. Mamaya rehab niya," said Tan in a message to GMA News Online on Monday morning.
"Day-to-day [pa siya]."
While that is good news for Letran, there is no assurance yet if Abando, a candidate for this season's MVP award, can actually suit up in Game 2.
That means Tan, like in Game 1, will have to put his trust in his other players when they look to close out the series this weekend.
"I'm not sure if Rhenz will win 'yung MVP award but in any team naman, kung na sayo yung top player ng league, 'pag nawala talagang pilay na pilay 'yung team," said Tan after their victory in the opener.
"'Yung kanina lang alam na namin na hindi makakabalik, chinallenge ko na lang 'yung mga players namin na mag-step up without him sa court."
—JMB, GMA News
