Aces step up with Baguio sidelined with ankle sprain

Alaska swingman Cyrus Baguio was sidelined with a sprained ankle during the Aces’ win over the Meralco Bolts on Tuesday.

The 34-year-old Baguio said he injured his left ankle in practice the day before Alaska’s game against Kia last Friday. Baguio played through pain in the Aces’ 38-point victory over the Carnival and made matters worse as he aggravated the injury.

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“We’re not gonna force a guy who’s limping to play and really, because of that Cyrus could rest, Tony was great, Rome was great, Chris Exciminiano was great and the rest of the guys,” said Alaska head coach Alex Compton.

Baguio is averaging 8.86 points, 2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and close to a steal per game through seven games this conference but the Aces hardly missed his absence with their role players filling the void.

READ: Alaska obliterates hapless KIA, moves up 2nd in standings

“Ang maganda naman sa team namin kapag may injured, may mga nagse-step up. Ngayon nag-step up sila Dondon, si Chris Banchero, actually lahat naman nagtulong tulong,” said Baguio.

(The good thing about our team is that when someone’s injured, there will be someone who steps up and tonight, actually, everyone helped out.)

Rookie Chris Banchero had 10 points and five rebounds off the bench, veteran forward Tony dela Cruz was scoreless but had five rebounds and two assists and his overall contributions went beyond the stat sheet.

Baguio’s status for Saturday’s big game against league-leader Barako Bull remains uncertain but he doesn’t appear worried about his team despite that he could miss his second straight game.

“Maganda nilalaro namin especially sa depensa and sana madala namin next game lalo na malakas kalaban namin sa Sabado.”

(We’re playing really well especially on defense and hopefully we’d be able to carry our play next game because we’re facing a strong team on Saturday.) CFC