Arellano coach keeps fingers crossed after Justin Arana injury (Sabong News)
Author
Reynald I. Magallon
Date
MARCH 27 2022
Arellano head coach Cholo Martin is keeping his fingers crossed as the team anxiously awaits the results of the initial assessment of Justin Arana’s injury.
Arana fell on the floor crutching on his right knee and was visibly in pain following a rebound battle with 1:49 left in the final frame. He had to be carried out of the court as he cannot put weight on the injured leg.
“Medyo pagod na [siya] eh. Bumigay na yung calf niya [kasi] whole game siya naglalaro eh. So sana wag naman malala, kailangan namin siya eh,” said Martin following the Chief’s narrow 65-63 win over San Sebastian.
“Mamaya [malalaman namin yung findings], may PT kami eh. May umattend na sa kanya,” he added.
Arana played 35 minutes in the game and was a dominant force inside the paint finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds along with four blocks.
Good thing, the Chiefs already took the lead when Arana went down with the apparent injury, following their rousing 13-2 rally in the final frame. Jordan Sta. Ana also stepped up to the plate with 14 markers.
San Sebastian, however, still gave itself a fighting chance to nab the victory at the buzzer but Arellano, despite missing its top defensive player, managed to hold on as Michael Are missed a well-contested three-point try at the buzzer.
“First game namin ito after two years, wala kaming tune up games so nangangapa pa. Buti na lang naka-adjust kami.,” said Martin.
It’s still unsure whether the 6-foot-5 big man and reigning Defensive Player of the Year will be available in the Chief’s next match against the defending champions Letran Knights on Wednesday, March 30.
