No amount of pain could keep Mark Barroca from helping Magnolia's cause in its duel against San Miguel in their PBA Philippine Cup titular series.
Barroca hurt his foot with 57.6 seconds left while going after a loose rebound but went on to finish Game 1 won by the Hotshots, 99-94.
The eight year veteran appeared badly hurt after Arwind Santos landed on his right leg as the two chased for the loose ball near the baseline. The Magnolia bench stood frozen at the sideline as Barroca dropped to the floor holding his Achilles.
He limped as his teammates helped him to bench but returned to the floor when the game resumed.
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"Sobrang sakit, pero kaya naman. Kailangan ko lang talaga ipahinga. Marami na akong ganitong experience pero kailangan ako dun sa loob eh. Fighting spirit na lang talaga," said Barroca, who finished with 17 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
"Dapat warrior ka kapag itong team na ito ang kalaban mo. Kailangan ng leadership dito. Isa ako sa mga leaders so kahit masakit titiisin ko para sa team."
Barroca said the Hotshots played well on both ends.
"Nagulat nga ako sa stats ngayon kasi ang dami naming double-digits. Maganda lang siguro yung opensa namin plus defense namin gumanda nung second half," he added.
Barroca said he has yet to know the extent of his injury so he considers himself doubtful in Game Two set Friday.
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Regardless the result, he urged his teammates to be ready next game.
"Walang room for error sa San Miguel. Katulad kanina lamang kami sampu 'di ba? Or onse. Ang bilis habulin 'di ba? Wala pang [ilang] minutes, dalawa na lang lamang naming," Barroca pointed out.
"Kaya nga yung mga ganung bagay kailangan maging solid kami." (JB)
