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Kevin Alas wore a protective mask in NLEX’s clash against the defending champion in PBA Philippine Cup TNT, on Thursday while suffering a nasal fracture.
Kevin hurt his nose following a smash with teammate Paul Varilla during a practice.
Nonetheless, the Road Warrior starting point guard opted to use a protective mask and suit up opposite the Tropang Giga as NLEX tries to bounce back from a 100-92 loss to San Miguel last week.
During the match, Alas chipped in a total of 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists. The injured scored five straight points that set up the frantic finish as NLEX grabbed a 2-1 record.
Kevin played better in the second half, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter to lead an NLEX comeback from 12 points down to turn back the Tropang Giga, 90-89.
Mark Barroca Injury Update
Magnolia guard Mark Barroca has no plans to miss the games after sustaining a calf injury last week that put his consecutive games streak in danger.
Mark suffered an injury during the match against Converge and did not play for a majority on the contest. Barroca was unable to play the entire second half of their 89-82 overtime loss to the Converge FiberXers due to a left calf strain injury. He was advised to rest for two days and did not join the team’s practices, but head coach Chito Victolero said that they would see how Barroca’s calf would react if there is any activity or contract drills.
He played on Wednesday for 20 minutes and ended with eight points and two rebounds in the Hotshots’ 80-77 win over Northport while extending his streak of games played to 496.
Barroca is next to LA Tenorio with the most consecutive games played. On Sunday, Tenorio played his 700th game and reaffirmed his role as the league’s Modern Day Ironman.
Barroca is next as he has not missed a game for 495 straight games, according to PBA head of stats Fidel Mangonon III. He considers his calf issue as his worst in his career.
“Biglaan lang eh. Mag-isa pa ako. Nagulat nga ako eh. Pag-extend ko kay Stockton, parang may pumitik. Hindi tuloy ako naka-layup. Hindi mo talaga maiiwasan ang disgrasya. So far, getting better hindi katulad nung last game. Nanigas talaga sobra. May pain pa rin. Pero siguro ‘yung pain ngayon, nasa bandang 6, 7. Hindi tulad noon na 10 talaga. Gusto ko man pumasok, hindi ako makalakad ng maayos. Parang may nagbabara sa calf ko,” said Barroca.
However, the 36-year-old mentioned his situation is getting better with rest. Although he admitted that he is not yet 100 percent, he still suited up with Magnolia facing the possibility of opening the season 0-3 with another loss to Northport.
“Hindi ako 100 percent. Naninigas talaga kanina. Nandito lang naman ako. Ayoko lang na katulad nung sa Converge na kailangan namin ng guard,” said Barroca, referring to the time that he was unable to play that led to an 87-82 loss in overtime to the FiberXers.
“Puwede talagang ipahinga talaga. Pero 0-2 eh. Desperate na kami. Iba ‘yung 0-3 kesa 1-2. Kailangan maglaro. May dalawang games pa kami na back-to-back,” Barroca said.
“Masaya kami na nanalo. Masakit man, pagod, pero worth it naman,” he added.
Gilas defeats the tough and strong Tall Blacks
MANILA, Philippines – GILAS Pilipinas extended its undefeated record in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifications Thursday night by finally breaking through against New Zealand, 93-89.
