Despite not being at 100 percent, Pogoy delivers for TNT

MANILA - TNT guard Roger Pogoy is still feeling the effects of a back injury that he suffered in their quarterfinal series against the Magnolia Hotshots three weeks ago, but it won't stop him from contributing to the KaTropa's cause.

Pogoy exited the game against Magnolia with still a minute left, and was later diagnosed with a disc bulge at his lumbosacral joint. The injury forced him to miss the 2019 Southeast Asian Games as he was advised to rest.

"Buti naman, may pahinga ako, so naka-recover ako," said Pogoy after TNT returned to action in the PBA Governors' Cup on Sunday night, with a 103-94 win over Meralco in Game 1 of the semifinals.

"Sa totoo lang hindi 100 percent eh. Medyo sumakit pa nung.. Isang araw nga sumakit din eh. So nagpahinga ako. Hindi ako nag-ensayo sa kanila. So tinitiis ko lang kasi sayang din naman eh," he added.

Though he was not at his best, Pogoy still scored 18 points -- the most among TNT's local players -- in over 38 minutes of action. He made four three-pointers in the game, and his transition layup with 65 seconds left sealed the KaTropa's win.

Pogoy admits he is concerned about the pain, but is determined to tough it out as TNT seeks to return to the Finals for the second straight conference.

"Pag nasa court ka na kasi parang wala ka nang nararamdaman eh," he said. "Sana, hindi na babalik."

"Baka bukas, sasakit," he acknowledged. "Ngayon lang wala, kasi nadala sa… adrenaline. Lahat, gagawin ko para maka-recover."

Pogoy has a day to rest before TNT plays Meralco on Game 2 on Tuesday, still at the Big Dome. ABS-CBN News