BAD FALL DURING GAME LANDS REF IN HOSPITAL
A member of the PBA officiating crew is indefinitely out due to an injury.
Four-year PBA referee Edward Aquino sustained swollen tissues in his back as he crashed onto the baseline railing after being accidentally bumped by Alaska rookie Calvin Abueva towards the end of the Alaska-Barako Bull setto Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Hindi makagalaw at umaangal pa rin ng matinding sakit,” said PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial of the gangling 6-foot-3 ref who was admitted to the Medical City hospital after the game.
Doctors have ordered five days of complete rest for Aquino.
“The freak accident happened with 2:38 left to play. Obviously, adrenalin na lang ang nagdala kaya natapos pa niya ang game,” said Ramil Cruz, the PBA head of officials.
“Di na makagalaw pagdating sa locker room. Dalawang tao ang tumulong para madala siya sa kotse para dalhin sa ospital at halftime of the second game (between Petron Blaze and Barangay Ginebra),” Cruz added.
Abueva accidentally bumped into Aquino as the Alaska rookie tried to save a wild fastbreak.
An Alaska support staff member and Mick Pennisi helped Aquino to get back on his feet. Though obviously hurt, the former PCU Dolphin gamely finished the match won by the Aces, 74-70, to seize solo lead in the tourney with a 3-0 win-loss card. (SB)
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