By Adrian Stewart Co
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.
Tropang Giga team manager Gabby Cui said that the former National University Bulldogs forward is not only nursing a dislocated finger on his left hand but also sustained a scary back injury.
“Spinal shock causing only 70% sensation on his left leg + open finger dislocation,” Cui said. “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 third quarter of Tropang Giga’s 106-88 Game 3 defeat last 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-ever PBA championship since 2015.
Rosario, who has just recovered from a cut above his eye that he incurred in the semis versus San Miguel Beermen, has been averaging 11.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this season for TNT.
The Tropang Giga currently holds to a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven championship series. The Hotshots were looking to tie the score in Game 4 at 6 p.m. tonight./ASC, WDJ