Galliguez cleared after 20 stitches

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY , Philippines — All’s well for Alaska guard Abel Galliguez, who was discharged from The Medical City Clark following a hard, scary fall in the Aces’ 104-83 quarterfinal loss to TNT Tropang Giga last Saturday.

His tests (CT scan and X-ray) came out negative for any brain injury or skull fracture. But he needed 20 stitches to close a three-inch laceration above his left eyebrow.

“Everything was checked and it’s OK,” said the tough guard, who was assisted by Alaska team physician Facundo Sun and trainer Gus Vargas at the hospital.

With the doctor’s go-signal, Galliguez was able to join the Aces as they exited the bubble yesterday – after 47 days.

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To be the best, Matthew Wright is aware of the monumental requirements to be one: be a PBA champion and MVP.

Inside the bubble, Mr. Wright is close to reaching those milestones with the Phoenix Super LPG rising into the Philippine Cup semis under his wing.

Wright (22.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 6.0 apg) collected 39.5 statistical points to seize the No.1 spot in the race for the MVP – should the league decide to give one for this special season – heading into the Final Four.

“That’s the goal I’ve always wanted. I’m trying to focus on that and doing the right thing,” he said.