PBA: Unlucky start for NLEX as Asian import Michael Madanly hurt in loss

NLEX started their Governors' Cup campaign on the wrong foot as Asian import Michel Madanly hurt his neck during their 101-96 defeat against Barako Bull Energy on Wednesday.

The high-scoring Syrian star notched 26 points in 33 minutes of play, including a 12-point explosion to lead their charge in the third quarter. With 1:13 left going into the final period, however, he hurt his neck after colliding with Dylan Ababou.

Madanly's nape was immediately iced by the Road Warriors staff, but he did not return to the game as the team did not want to risk worsening his condition.

"As of now ang initial diagnosis parang whiplash lang," NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez said about the injury. "Hopefully it's all muscular problems."

The coach said Madanly is a crucial part of the team, leading the execution of their offense especially on the fastbreak.

"It will be tough without Mike," he said. "We have Jonas and Rudy and Pamboy, pero 'yung a big point guard like Mike e medyo mas advantage sa amin."

The Asian veteran left the Mall of Asia Arena in a neck brace to head into the hospital, where he will undergo an MRI and CT scan.

"We'll see tonight what could be the results of that. We're always praying that Mike will be okay," Fernandez said. -- JST, GMA News