CJ Cansino stretched off court with knee injury in crucial game vs UP

UST medical staff tending to CJ Cansino at the locker room. Photo from Bong Lozada

University of Santo Tomas rookie CJ Cansino fell down to a painful knee injury during the second quarter of the Growling Tigers’ game against University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball tournament.

Cansino writhed in pain with 5:57 left in the first half while clutching his left knee.

UST’s physical therapists’ initial diagnosis of Cansino’s injury was a knee sprain but Growling Tigers head coach said the rookie would undergo an MRI scan to further see into the extent of the damage.

Ayo said that whatever the result of the test, Cansino won’t play in UST’s final game of the season against Ateneo on Wednesday.

“Definitely, whatever the result of the MRI we won’t be fielding him,” said Ayo. “He had a good season hopefully he learned a lot this year and we’ll make sure he’ll be back next year.”

Prior to the game against UP, the former Juniors MVP averaged 13.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.

After getting stretchered to the UST locker room, a tearful Cansino complained of crippling pain in his left knee as school officials and his mother looked in agony.

Cansino also suffered a minor injury in UST’s previous game against Adamson, a match the Growling Tigers lost 96-83, after landing on Sean Manganti’s foot in the fourth quarter.

Prior to Cansino’s injury, UST led UP 34-26 but the Fighting Maroons were able to get on a game-defining 22-4 run across the middle quarters to take a 48-38 lead after June Manzo’s basket with 6:22 left in the third.

UP eventually held on for the 83-69 win eliminating the Growling Tigers from the Final Four race sending UST to a 5-8 record.

The Fighting Maroons, for their part, improved to 7-6 and took sole possession of the fourth spot while Far Eastern University is at fifth at 6-6.