Marc Pingris. RODEL ROTONI
MANILA, Philippines—San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone said that forward Marc Pingris will be a “game time decision” on Sunday in game five of the finals.
Pingris went down in the third quarter of the Mixers’ 93-90 win over Rain or Shine Friday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with an abrasion on his right cornea.
Cone said that Pingris couldn’t come to San Mig Coffee’s practice today, Saturday.
“Not sure yet. He can’t come to practice today because he is in too much pain,” Cone said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.
“He is being checked now, and will be checked again tomorrow [Sunday] morning. He’ll be a game time decision.”
San Mig Coffee’s medical staff had to put a patch on Pingris’ eye to keep it from bleeding before the national team standout was rushed to the hospital.
The multi-titled American mentor admitted that Pingris’ injury put a damper on San Mig Coffee’s win, which moves them to a victory away from the PBA Philippine Cup crown.
“We won the battle but I hope we didn’t lose the war with Ping. It’s a big blow for us if were gonna lose him for a long period of time.”
Cone is expecting a more physical Elastopainters side as they try to dodge early elimination and stretch the series to six games.
“They’re gonna ramp up intensity and physicality and that’s how they come back and win games. That’s what were gonna expect. Were gonna hold our breath and see what happens with Ping.”