La Salle's Kean Baclaan out for rest of the season

De La Salle University guard Kean Baclaan will miss the rest of UAAP Season 88 due to an apparent knee injury.

Baclaan confirmed the development on Thursday through a Facebook post.

"This is what I prepared and worked hard for the whole year, and now it’s suddenly gone just like that. I just want to say that I’m out for the entire season, and this isn’t what I wanted or expected to happen," Baclaan wrote.

"I cried so much last night and felt really down about my situation, but I just kept thinking about my future for my family and my career," he added.

Baclaan sustained the injury following a heated moment late in regulation during the Green Archers’ match against the University of the East on Wednesday.

With 4:20 remaining in the fourth quarter, Baclaan was going after a loose ball alongside UE players. During the scramble, Wello Lingolingo's body landed on Baclaan’s knee, causing the latter to be in pain and remain on the floor for some time.

He was eventually stretchered off the court. Lingolingo, meanwhile, was called for an unsportsmanlike foul and ejected from the game, having already received a technical foul in the third quarter.

La Salle went on to win in overtime, 111–110.

Baclaan became the second Green Archer to be sidelined for several weeks due to injury. Mason Amos is also expected to miss time after reportedly suffering an MCL injury during La Salle’s match against National University last Sunday.

‘Hold referees accountable’ – Gavina

Meanwhile, University of the East head coach Chris Gavina called for referees to be held accountable following Lingolingo's ejection.

In an expletive-laden statement on Wednesday, Gavina defended his player who received the unsportsmanlike foul.

"The beauty of the competition was taken away because you call an unspo (unsportsmanlike foul) on one of our best players on a loose ball? I watched the video. I watched the video. They told me that Wello jumped f—in’ purposely on Baclaan on the loose ball? Get the f— out of here. There's no way. You watch that video again.

"There's no way, on a loose ball where there hasn’t been a whistle, everyone’s going for the ball. Everyone's going after it. Call a regular foul. You call an ‘unspo’ on a play like that?"

Gavina said it’s not the first time officiating has come under fire during games.

"Yes, we squandered a 21-point lead. But hold these refs accountable. I’m tired of it. It’s not just me. I’m not the only one voicing this out. I’m not the first coach who’s said this all week long."

With the win, La Salle improved to 3-3, while UE remained winless in six games.

—GMA Integrated News