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| Coach Yeng Guiao did not like how Ian Sangalang hit Aaron Fuller's eye in Game 2 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals. Richard Esguerra |
STA. ROSA, Laguna--Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao focused more on Aaron Fuller's eye injury than dwelling on his team's worst loss ever when reporters asked for his reflections on Game 2 of the PBA Governors' Cup quarterfinals against Magnolia at the City of Sta. Rosa Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, essentially accusing Ian Sangalang of doing something that Guiao thinks was not accidental at all.
"We watched the video. Ang tingin ko sinadya na baka maisahan nga siya at mawalan kami ng import," Guiao said on Friday night.
Late in the first quarter of Game 2, Ian Sangalang poked Fuller's eye while the latter was going for a layup.
"Noong nakausap namin si Aaron. sabi niya pumasok daw talaga yung daliri ni Ian sa loob ng mata niya," Guiao relayed his conversation with Fuller as the latter was rushed to the nearest hospital here.
"We all looked at the video, and yung direksyon nung kamay, pa-derecho sa mata, and second motion siya."
Guiao also said Fuller could not see with his right eye after the poke.
The fiery coach then called for the PBA to take a look at the incident.
"I think it needs a further investigation," Guiao further said.
"Let's see kung ano ang [desisyon] ng PBA."
With only two nights to shift their attention to Game 3 on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Guiao bared that ROS will take the risk of playing all-Filipino against Magnolia, which had solid numbers from new import Jabari Bird in just 28 minutes of action.
"Mahirap namang magpadala ng import ng ganoong kabilis," Guiao further said.
Fuller's eye injury, which Guiao believes "could be career-threatening," just added woes to the Elasto Painters as they suffered a 69-121 defeat, something that did not even happen when they were still in the defunct developmental league PBL during the late 90s and early 2000s.
"Malaking bagay na wala kang import, pero tingin ko, kahit andoon si Aaron, matatalo pa rin kami pero hindi naman siguro ganoon kalaki," said Guiao as he hopes that Fuller would be OK.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
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