Romeo incurs ankle injury

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer’s battle with injuries ahead of its PBA Philippine Cup title defense continues as guard Terrence Romeo hurt his ankle during yesterday’s game against Alaska Milk in the Phoenix Super Basketball Tournament at Upper Deck Sports Center.

The June Mar Fajardo-less Beermen eventually lost to the Aces, 79-81, to finish 0-3 in the four-team pre-season meet, which NLEX dominated via a three-game  sweep capped by a 104-97 verdict over Phoenix Pulse.

Romeo fired a fallaway jumper to beat the halftime buzzer but then stepped on a stretching machine while backpedalling and sprained his right ankle. He was carried off the court.

“Pag step ko actually, may tumunog. Sana tapilok lang talaga,” said Romeo, who, however, later showed positive signs as he was able to stand and walk on his own (with a limp though) after the game.

San Miguel could ill-afford to have more men in sick bay as main guy Fajardo is out indefinitely due to shin injury and shooter Marcio Lassiter is sidelined by a broken nose.

“After seeing his ankle, medyo nag swell but good thing after the game hindi masyadong malaki ang pamamaga,” said SMB coach Leo Austria.

“That means regular sprain and knock on wood, sana wala na mangyari ulit sa amin dahil talagang pilay na pilay na yung team namin. We have no Marcio, and then Terrence pa na alam natin key player sa amin when it comes to small ball but I think come (PBA) opening night (on March 8), I’m sure they can play,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Road Warriors banked on a balanced scoring to overcome the absence of Gilas Pilipinas mainstays Kiefer Ravena and Poy Erram and Jericho Cruz (on duty with the Guam team) to sweep their way to the top in the pocket cagefest.

JR Quinahan fired 15 to lead NLEX with Philip Paniamogan (13), Raul Soyud (12), Kevin Alas (10) and Bong Galanza (10) providing support.