Arellano University has been dealt a major blow as big man Justin Arana was diagnosed with a partial acute ACL tear in his right knee after the Chiefs opened its campaign in the NCAA Season 97 on Sunday.
Arana confirmed the development to GMA News Online hours after he underwent an MRI test, which came on the heels of Arellano's 65-63 come-from-behind win over San Sebastian College-Recoletos at the La Salle Green Hills.
Arana, though, clarified that there is no final ruling yet on whether he will miss the entire season, but the recovery period for a partial ACL tear could last up to three months.
"Wala pa pong sinasabi [if out na ako for the season], [pero] pupunta pa po ata kami kay Doc (Jose Raul) Canlas," Arana said in a message Monday morning when asked if he has been ruled out of the season.
(There are no words yet on whether I am ruled of the season but we might see Doc Canlas.)
Arana had an awkward landing during a rebound battle with Stags' Jessie Sumoda in the 1:49 mark of the fourth quarter, just seconds after Arellano took back the lead on a triple from skipper Gelo Sablan, 62-60.
Arana sat out and never returned to the game after that juncture and was stretchered out of the court.
Despite exiting the game early, the 6-foot-7 bruiser still had a breakout game as he stuffed the stat sheet with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds to go along with four blocks and a steal.
Arana is the Season 95 Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
—JMB, GMA News
