NLEX playmaker Kevin Alas crashed with yet another anterior cruciate ligament tear following their 112-113 setback to Terrafirma in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
According to a source privy to the situation, the initial magnetic resonance imaging test done on Alas’ left knee revealed that he suffered another ACL tear.
“Initial MRI findings, ACL tear,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity pending the official announcement of the Road Warriors.
Alas played only three minutes and left the game with just 49 seconds gone by in the second quarter after hurting his left knee after trying to make a hard drive to the basket in a fast break play.
It was such a major blow to the 32-year-old former Letran College star as he also suffered similar injuries in the past.
Yet, Alas still made a major recovery and even emerged with a gold medal in the 19th Asian Games and league’s Sportsmanship of the Year award for two consecutive seasons.
While waiting for the complete result of Alas’ MRI, the Road Warriors opted to rest him so that his injury will not be aggravated.
“He’s still resting,” NLEX team manager Larry Fonacier said.
“We’re going to wait for the official findings.”
Meanwhile, the PBA is expected to suspend the referee who called the foul on Thomas Robinson in the crucial stretch of the NLEX-Terrafirma encounter.
Although the Dyip escaped with a win as Robinson missed his second charity shot, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said he will crack the whip on the erring official.
“I’m going to suspend him,” he said upon entering the media room.
Marcial, together with deputy commissioner Eric Castro, international referee Bong Pascual and Mauro Bengua, is set to review the play in which Robinson was said to have been fouled by Andreas Cahilig despite the obvious lack of contact.
