Scottie Thompson recovered from an ankle sprain last week and dished out a triple-double to help the Perpetual Help Altas outlast the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers in a pulsating overtime thriller, 86-83.
However, he hurt his back during the waming moments of overtime, when he was fouled by Dave Sanchez.
Thompson held on to his lower back and needed to be replaced by Chris Elopre who took the free throws. The backcourt player finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, and 17 assists in the win.
Altas head coach Aric Del Rosario praised his ward for delivering a masterful performance. “Ganiyan na talaga ugali niyan. Kung ano magagawa niyan (para sa team), gagawin niya.”
Del Rosario added the Smart Elite ambassador only got back yesterday and tried to measure if he can suit up for the match against JRU.
“Kahapon lang ulit nakapag-ensayo yan at ang sabi niya, susubukan niya kung makakatakbo siya. Maganda naman pakiramdam niya sa paa niya kaya (tiwala) ako sa kanya,” Del Rosario said. But the Altas mentor wants to assure his top gun stays healthy, and may advice him to not participate in the match slated on August 21.
“Back spasms, hindi ko alam gaano katagal yun. Baka hindi ko na nga siya palaruin sa all-star (game) eh,” Del Rosario shared. “Baka (lumala) yung likod niya o sprain.”
