Justin Chua out for rest of PBA Govs' Cup Finals with ACL injury

Justin Chua will likely be out for the rest of the year after injuring his ACL and meniscus. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa confirmed on Wednesday night that Justin Chua will be out for the rest of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals after suffering a knee injury early into Game 1 of the series three nights prior.

Chua started the series opener but hurt his knee with 8:46 left in the very first quarter of the game, which further depleted the team's frontline.

"He suffered an ACL and meniscal tear. That's too bad," Lastimosa said after the Game 2 win against Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The PBA legend, however, believes that it would pave the way for Poy Erram, Dave Marcelo, and even Mark Acuno to step up in the center spot for the Tropang Giga.

"I believe in the guys that we have right now. Next man up!" Lastimosa further said.

The good news for them, though, is that Kelly Williams, as Lastimosa revealed, has been cleared for a return in Game 3.

"The good news is Kelly will be cleared to play on Friday," Lastimosa bared. "If he can give us a few valuable minutes, then that's going to be a welcome sight."

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