TNT is up 2-0 in its PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals series against Rain or Shine, but won't be having one of its lethal weapons come Sunday's Game 3 - and for the rest of the season.
Veteran Jayson Castro, the acknowledged heart and soul of the Tropang Giga, has been ruled out for the remainder of Season 49 after suffering a patellar tendon tear in his right knee in Friday night's thrilling 93-91 win at the Philsports Arena.
The 38-year-old guard went down with the injury with just three minutes left in Game 2 following an awkward move while driving to the basket.
He laid down on the floor grimacing in pain and shortly after, was stretchered out of the venue and taken to the hospital.
The Tropang Giga won the game, but received the bad news later that they have to go through with their campaign minus their long-time leader.
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Team manager Jojo Lastimosa on Saturday confirmed Castro, a five-time Best Player of the Conference and was Finals MVP when TNT won the championship of the season-opener Governors' Cup las November, will be out for the rest of the season.
"He's out 10-12 months," said the PBA great turned team executive.
Castro finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists before he went out in Game 2.
He was at the forefront of TNT's 88-84 win in Game 1 that saw him finished with a team-high 24 points spiked by a 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc.
Game 3 is set on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.(RG)
