THE way they played like well-oiled machines humming on all cylinders last Sunday, one would think Jayson Castro and Roger Pogoy have no concerns.
But unknown to the ordinary fan they both are playing through pain in their common bid to help TNT hurdle Meralco in their PBA Governors Cup semifinals duel.
Due to a hurting knee, veteran forward Harvey Carey will most likely miss the entire best-of-five semis.
More crucial are the roles being played by Pogoy and Castro in the team and they keep doing so despite some nagging aches.
Castro is still feeling some ill effects of the muscle strain he sustained late last month while Pogoy is still recovering from a back injury he suffered during the KaTropa's quarterfinal clash against Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok two weeks ago.
Sponsored content:
Said injuries prevented the two from suiting up for Gilas Pilipinas in its golden campaign in the last SEA Games, but would not keep them from playing for their mother team in this crucial phase.
"May instances na nananakit pa rin, pero walang magagawa. Kailangan, eh," said Castro.
"Kahit nabubugbog, tinatamaan, bumabagsak, kailangang tiisin."
The same is true of Pogoy, who was actually told by doctors to rest for a full week since that Nov. 25 game. That helped, but only a little.
"Unang-una buti naman may pahinga ako so naka-recover ako. Sa totoo lang hindi pa 100 percent, eh,"related Pogoy.
Sponsored content:
"Noong isang araw nga, sumakit pa, eh. Nagpahinga ako, hindi ako nag-ensayo. Tinitiis ko lang kasi sayang, eh. Gusto ko talagang makatulong sa team."
And help TNT they did as it gained the headstart in the duel through a 103-94 win last Sunday.
Pogoy scored 18 points built on four three-pointers, including 12 in the second half alone, while Castro chipped in 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and four steals.
Those contributions enabled TNT to break away from a tight game, lead by as many as 22 points and quell Meralco's last-ditch uprising in the fourth period.
Those performances were not without some hairy moments.
Pogoy tweaked his right ankle during a loose ball scramble just seconds into the game. He did eventually get up and seemingly just shook off the pain on his foot.
"Buti maganda pagkaka-tape," said Pogoy.
For his part, Castro hurt his right shoulder after driving to the basket and being fouled hard by Bolt forward Cliff Hodge, 5:09 left in the third period.
"Nakataas iyung bola pero balikat ko ang tinamaan," said Castro, who took some time before getting up."Pero okay lang, part of the game."
With each semis game just a day apart, both Castro and Pogoy are now hoping they would get through those without aggravating their injuries or suffering new ones.
"Sana nga, sa awa ng Diyos, hindi na siya sumakit," said Pogoy. (NC)
