Mark Nonoy shrugs off ankle pain to give Tigers a boost in crucial match

MANILA, Philippines—Mark Nonoy wasn’t going to let an ankle injury sideline him in University of Santo Tomas’ all-important game against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 82 men’s basketball tournament.

The Growling Tigers, who played without star forward Rhenz Abando, were pushing to get a firm hold of the third place and Nonoy was adamant to push through despite spraining his right ankle in the second quarter.

“It’s not a major injury, just a sprain,” said Nonoy in Filipino after the Growling Tigers’ 84-78 win over the Fighting Maroons Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena. “It’s painful now because I played despite the injury.”

Nonoy sprained his right ankle with 4:11 left in the second quarter after landing on Juan Gomez De Liaño’s left foot on a three-point attempt.

Play still continued despite Nonoy lying on the ground and UP head coach Bo Perasol checking up on him.

Nonoy had to be helped to the Growling Tigers’ locker room but the rookie eventually made it back to the playing floor with 6:10 left in the third quarter.

“I wanted to come back so I could motivate my teammates that even though it’s still painful I’m willing to come back for my team and inspire them,” said Nonoy who finished with seven points, three rebounds, and two steals.

“Whatever happens I’ll be back for them,” he added as the Tigers moved half a game behind second seed UP that has a 6-4 slate.

Nonoy, however, still has to undergo an X-ray procedure to determine the extent of the damage of his injury.