MANILA – TNT Tropang Giga forward Jeth Troy Rosario is likely to be out for the remainder of their 2021 PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship series with Magnolia Pambansang Manok Hotshots.
The former National University Bulldogs forward is not only nursing a dislocated finger on his left hand but also sustained a scary back injury, said Tropang Giga team manager Gabby Cui.
“Troy sustained a spinal shock causing only 70% sensation on his left leg + open finger dislocation,” Cui said in a statement sent to media on Monday night.
Added the former TNT player: “Troy is doubtful to return (to the remainder of the PBA Finals) because (he) may need surgery.”
The 29-year-old Rosario suffered the injury in the 3:02 mark of the third quarter of Tropang Giga’s 106-88 Game 3 defeat on Sunday following a bump by Hotshots’ forward Jackson Corpuz.
The 6-foot-7 Rosario was down on the floor for several minutes following Corpuz’s dangerous push. He also sustained a pinkie finger injury in that sequence.
Corpuz was thrown out of the match for his unnecessary action towards Rosario and was summoned by the PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial for possible punishment.
The possible absence of Rosario was a huge blow for the title hopes of the Tropang Giga, which is in search of its first PBA championship since 2015.
Rosario, who has just recovered from a cut above his eye incurred in the semis versus San Miguel Beermen, is averaging 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season for TNT.
The Tropang Giga currently holds a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven championship series. The Hotshots are looking to tie the score in Game 4 at 6 p.m. tonight./PN
