Alex Cabagnot was torching the Meralco Bolts but an accidental hit cooled him down, causing him to leave the game
Cabagnot, who is averaging 18.2 games per game, was already able to score 18 points in just 20 minutes during the third quarter of San Miguel’s 101-86 win over Meralco. However, as things got chippy, the 34-year-old was accidentally clipped by Meralco big man Cliff Hodge, who was called for a flagrant foul with 8:10 left in the frame.
San Miguel’s floor general was able to muster enough strength to shoot the resulting free throws but had to be taken out of the game afterwards.
According to head coach Leo Austria, the 6-foot-1 guard was immediately sent to the San Juan de Dios Hospital due to a broken nose he sustained from Hodge’s “play.”
“Alex Cabagnot went straight to the hospital dahil sa broken nose,” Austria said.
The second overall pick in the 2005 PBA Draft finished with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, 3-of-6 from distance to go along with six boards and three steals. His play and his determination to come back drew praise from Austria.
“I think he really played hard, and he wants to win,” Austria remarked. “Unfortunately tinamaan siya. He’s a tough guy, and he wants to come back but I think baka next game na.”
The multi-time PBA champion coach though won’t force Cabagnot to return immediately on January 6 against the Blackwater Elite.
“Actually it will depend dahil we will not sacrifice his health para sa game. Depende kung makakabalik siya sa next game namin which is on January 6,” the 58-year-old mentor said.
“I hope this coming break could help the team.”
