Ryan Arana of Rain or Shine (light) vs Richard Howell of Talk N Text (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Talk ‘N Text import Richard Howell left the game against Rain or Shine after sustaining an injury late in the second quarter and did not return.
Howell hurt his right shoulder with 2:37 remaining in the first half after hitting the floor hard when he came into contact with ROS guard Paul Lee on the drive.
“I have no idea with the seriousness of his injury. I’m not really sure if he needed to go to the hospital but the doctor felt he needed to get an MRI just to make sure. I would’ve imagined that if we weren’t in first place going into the next round maybe he would’ve gutted out and played,” said TNT head coach Norman Black moments after the Tropang Texters’ gutsy 85-82 win over the Painters Wednesday night.
Lee was called for a personal foul but Black thinks it should’ve been an unsportsmanlike foul.
“It’s interesting, in the NBA, they would probably easily call that unsportsmanlike foul because it’s the same as if you take a 3-point shot and a guy sticks his foot while you’re landing then they call it unsportsmanlike foul,” said Black.
“But what can we do? We just have to live by the rules and the calls of the referees and just keep on moving on,” Black added.
Black also felt Lee had no intent of hurting Howell, who couldn’t raise his right arm without feeling any pain, according to Black.
“Paul Lee? No, I don’t think so. It happened though, but I don’t think it’s deliberate.”
Black also said that if Howell’s injury is just a slight bruise or tear, it will take just a week or two for the former NC State slotman to fully recover.
Howell has been a vital part of the Texters’ success this conference with his high activity on the floor and ability to impact the game without even having to score as much as the other imports.
“Hopefully, Richard will be okay because he’s been a blessing for us so far this conference the fact that he really controls the middle defensively and as far as rebounding is concerned he’s a big plus for us so hopefully he’ll be able to continue playing with us,” Black said.
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