PBA: Blackwater import Chris Charles down with pulled hamstring

Blackwater Elite played their Commissioner's Cup debut with an all-Filipino roster on Wednesday, losing 92-70 to a Solomon Alabi-led Barako Bull Energy.

The Elite missed the services of their own reinforcement Chris Charles, who pulled his hamstring during team practice last week.

Without Charles to match-up with his counterpart, Alabi had a field day with 21 points and 22 rebounds for Barako Bull.

Despite the absence of a dominating big man in the post, Blackwater was able to take the lead briefly from the Energy, pushing themselves ahead 32-28 in the second quarter.

But Barako blew the game wide open in the fourth, denying the Elite their first victory in the league.

"Complexion of the game could have been different kung may import kami," said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac. "Puwedeng hindi kami catch-up basketball, puwedeng makapagdictate din kami ng tempo."

With the injury, the expansion team is not sure if Charles will be able to see action on Sunday against Talk 'n Text for their next game.

Isaac said the injury could take at least two weeks to heal, but the Blackwater management has yet to discuss the option of getting a replacement import.

"Hindi ko pa alam," he said when asked of their contingency plans in case Charles would take more time before getting to play. "Hindi pa kami nag-uusap ng mga bossing ko. Maybe tomorrow sa training." - RAF, GMA News