Hurting Pingris likely to return for B-MEG in Game Six

AKTV/Paolo Papa

A game of rest is enough to make Marc Pingris’ stiff neck feel better.

The All-Defensive team member said he will try his best to play for the B-MEG Llamados in Game Six of their Governors’ Cup title series against Rain or Shine on Friday after missing the fifth game with a neck injury.

“Pipilitin ko na talaga,” Pingris told InterAKTV. “Kailangan na ng team manalo kaya tyatyagain na natin.”

Pingris hurt his neck after getting fouled by Ryan Arana in Game Four. The Llamados’ rebounding demon retaliated with a head butt and was called for a flagrant foul.

B-MEG coach Tim Cone described the chances of Pingris playing as likely.

“I would say right now, it’s 70-30,” said the American coach.

Cone said Pingris, who was in uniform and sat on the bench, had wanted to play in Game Five.

“He wants to go, but I didn’t allow him,” said Cone. “He had difficulty working his head up and down, what more if you’re running and playing basketball. So I decided to preserve him and avoid the injury getting worse.”

Pingris earlier said he didn’t regret his retaliation on Arana, but said he will keep his temper in check when he returns.

“Ipinakita ko lang sa kanila na hindi pwedeng basta basta tatanggap na lang kami. Pwede namang maging physical pero yung ginagawa nila sa amin, talagang sinasaktan nila kami. Pero mas magiging smart na ako sa susunod na game,” he said.

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