Rain or Shine’s Datu of for rest of PBA season due to knee injury

MANILA, Philippines — Rain or Shine big man Keith Datu will be out for the rest of PBA Season 50 after he sustained a ruptured right patellar tendon, the Elasto Painters announced Thursday.

Datu sustained the injury in the third quarter of Rain or Shine’s clash with Phoenix on Wednesday.

The bruising big rolled to the basket at the 7:56 mark of the third quarter, and he seemingly slipped and fell hard on the floor, clutching his right knee.

He was brought out of the game and did not return. The Painters still won the game, 91-80, thanks to the heroics of Gian Mamuyac, Anton Asistio and Adrian Nocum in the fourth quarter.

In a Facebook post, Rain or Shine said that Datu is expected to sit out the rest of the season.

“Sending our prayers and full support to Keith Datu,” the post read.

“You’ve shown so much fight every time you stepped on the court, and we know that same strength will carry you through this,” it added.

Datu is having a solid Philippine Cup campaign, averaging 10 points and six rebounds a game, along with a block per contest.

Rain or Shine is currently on top of the standings with a 5-1 win-loss record.

The loss of the 6-foot-8 29-year-old will be a big blow for the team already missing the services of Caelan Tiongson, Luis Villegas and Stanley Pringle.

Beau Belga and Kris Porter are expected to hold the fort in the middle for the Elasto Painters.

“We’re praying for your fast and full recovery, Keith, and we’ll be right here to support you every step of the way.”

The Painters will be back in action on Saturday as they take on the NLEX Road Warriors at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.