THE INJURY list continues to grow for De La Salle University (DLSU), as standout guard Kean Baclaan suffered a suspected knee injury during their hard-fought 111-110 win over the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors.

What was meant to be an unstoppable UAAP Season 88 Men’s Basketball Tournament has instead raised more concerns for the Taft-based squad. La Salle’s up-and-down campaign has been marred by inconsistency — and now, mounting injuries.

Baclaan, who missed Season 87 due to eligibility rules, had a strong showing after helping rally the Green Archers from a 21-point deficit. However, his promising performance was cut short, with fears that his season could now be in jeopardy.

With two key players now sidelined, La Salle’s depth is being put to the test — and their championship hopes hang in the balance. The pressing question now is: can a team loaded with talent on paper recover from such an early-season collapse?

Baclaan Out?

Baclaan’s explosive outing came to an abrupt end on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, after a collision with UE’s Wello Lingolingo left him clutching his right knee, with 4:20 remaining in regulation. 

As the Red Warriors held an 89-84 lead, both players dove for a loose ball, but Lingolingo landed directly on Baclaan’s knee. The UE forward was later ejected for a Category 2 unsportsmanlike foul, having already picked up a technical earlier in the game.

Baclaan, who played a key role in La Salle’s second-half surge, exited with 17 points, four assists, and three rebounds. This morning, he thanked everyone on Facebook for the support and prayers, shortly after confirming he suffered the same MCL injury as Mason Amos.

“This is what I prepared and worked hard for the whole year, and now it’s suddenly gone just like that,” Baclaan said, to start his lengthy emotional post on Facebook.

“I just want to say that I’m out for the entire season, and this isn’t what I wanted or expected to happen. 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.”

“To the DLSU community and everyone who’s been worried about me, I truly appreciate all your care and concern. Thank you so much to everyone who messaged and called to check up on me. Please don’t worry I’ll come back stronger and finish my last year at DLSU,” he added.

A Worried Mother

Baclaan’s mother, Khaye, took to social media to share her deep concern after witnessing her son scream in pain during the game. In the same post, she also called out UE head coach Chris Gavina.

While she believes that the injury appeared unintentional and part of the game, her frustration stemmed from Gavina’s reaction during the post-game press conference — something she felt lacked empathy, especially given the severity of the moment.

“I rewatched the video even though I didn’t want to. To be honest, I don’t think it was intentional. Na-out of balance ‘yung bata Correct me if I’m wrong, but that’s what I saw sa video,” Khaye said.

“[Pero] wag din oa ang reaction mo coach! Wag sa moment na ‘to! Pa-mura mura ka pang nalalaman sa interview mo,” she went on to say before leaving an encouraging message for her son Kean.

Viral Outburst

For context, UE head coach Chris Gavina went viral on social media after his post-game press conference, where he openly cursed at the referees for ejecting Lingolingo. The former PBA coach’s outburst quickly made waves online, drawing mixed reactions from fans.

“There’s no way on a loose ball — that there hasn’t been a whistle blown — that everyone going after it might get called for an unsportsmanlike. Call a regular foul! You call an unspo on a play like that?” Gavina furiously asked.

“Wello had 24 points at that moment. Twenty-four! They’re supposed to be the best of the best? Get the f— out of here. Hell no. Took away our effort. Yes, we squandered a 21-point lead, but hold these refs accountable.”

“I’m tired of it. It’s not just me who’s voicing it. I’m not the first coach to say this all week long. We talk about leaving the outcome and the beauty of these games to the players. But what’s happening? There’s three idiots on the f—— floor,” he added.

With Mason Amos out, and Baclaan possibly sidelined as well, the DLSU Green Archers must brace for a tough rematch against the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, as they close out the first round of UAAP Season 88.

The challenge now lies in how La Salle can adjust without two of their top guns, especially against a gritty UP squad. With momentum and morale hanging in the balance, Sunday’s game could be a defining moment for the Green Archers’ season.