Kevin Alas suffers a knee injury against Magnolia. PBA Media Bureau
MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) Already playing with their backs against the wall in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, the NLEX Road Warriors received a further blow when it was confirmed that Kevin Alas suffered a major knee injury.
Alas told ABS-CBN News on Monday morning that initial diagnosis showed he tore the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, an injury that will keep him out of action for eight months.
"Initial diagnosis of Dr. (Raul) Canlas is ACL tear. I'll be out for eight months," said Alas in a text message. "I have an MRI scheduled at 2:30 p.m. for further analysis."
NLEX coach Yeng Guiao further confirmed that Alas is out for rest of their semifinals series against the Magnolia Hotshots.
Alas suffered the injury just 40 seconds into Game 5 of their All-Filipino semifinal series against the Hotshots on Sunday evening.
"Pag-preno ko, kumapit 'yung sapatos ko eh," Alas said of the sequence that led to his injury.
He was immediately brought into the dugout for further tests.
"It's very frustrating on my part," he added. "Naiyak ako doon sa gilid ng bench kanina, kasi gusto ko makatulong eh. Helpless, wala akong magawa."
"Kahit naman gusto kong lumaro noong second half, sabi nila huwag na pilitin kasi baka lalong lumala. Watching them in the last minute, wala akong magawa," he added.
Magnolia went on to win the game, 87-78.
Alas's absence is a major blow to NLEX, as the Road Warriors are down 2-3 in the best-of-seven series. The guard is averaging 11.1 point, 5.11 rebounds, and 2.72 assists per game in the All-Filipino conference.
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