PLAYOFF QUANDARY
Hong Kong Eastern has bigger things to worry despite securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the expense of hapless Terrafirma.
The guest team’s 134-110 win at Philsports Arena in Pasig City, though not a reflection of how the game was played, came after losing import Chris McLaughlin early in the game to an injury even as Eastern was reeling from a defeat in the opener of a semifinal series back home.
“I think it’s gonna be tough for us, especially if Chris’ injury is serious,” Eastern coach Mensur Bajramovic said.
Eastern improved to 7-3, tying NorthPort and Converge—who are also assured of quarters seats—after a grueling week that started with a win over San Miguel Beer here in the East Asia Super League.
Now, Eastern will figure out if McLaughlin’s ankle injury, which he sustained while going for a dunk against Terrafirma’s Kemark Cariño in the first half, could force Bajramovic to make a switch back to Cameron Clark.
Eastern will need to sweep its last two games to have a chance at bagging a top two slot for a twice-to-beat privilege, and not having an import if they rest McLaughlin, could be telling.
Clark was Eastern’s import to begin the conference, and McLaughlin can no longer suit up for the rest of the tournament if a change is made even because of the injury.
McLaughlin came into the contest posting impressive numbers of 24.8 points, 18.4 rebounds, four assists, 1.8 steals and 1.8 blocks behind his imposing presence inside and his ability to also go for outside shots.
It was McLaughlin’s sixth game in the PBA after Clark played the first four for Eastern with averages of 32.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 blocks.
“Both players have different styles,” the Eastern mentor said. “With Chris, we have one style and Clark, we have another. But both are great players and we have good reads with both of them. So we will see.”
Eastern is set to fly back home to prepare for Game 2 of the Hong Kong A1 Championship semis series against Winling.
Down 0-1 at home
Winling took took the best-of-three opener of that series, 88-65, after taking advantage of Eastern not being in full strength as only half of its roster played with the rest left behind in Manila to prepare for the Terrafirma game.
Steven Guinchard’s 20 points built on five triples and one four-pointer helped spark Eastern’s win after losing McLaughlin, while Ramon Cao added 23 and Kobey Lam 20. Eastern’s next PBA game is against Magnolia on Jan. 26, before they wind up against NLEX three days later.
Terrafirma moved on the brink of ending a miserable conference without a victory after dropping to 0-11 with a game left in the campaign.
Import Brandon Edwards finished with 26 points and 17 rebounds for the lowly Dyip.
