'Lockjawed' Erram earns praise for defensive job on Phelps

MANILA, Philippines – A busted jaw did not stop Blackwater center Poy Erram from performing his defensive duties against hulking Phoenix import Eugene Phelps last Sunday in their PBA Govenors' Cup showdown.

Phelps accidentally hit Erram right in the mouth while going for a lay-up late in the second quarter of the game, bloodying the Blackwater big man. Erram later revealed that he needed four stitches and got "lock jaw" due to the incident.

Blackwater's Poy Erram (7) attempts a jump shot against the defense of Phoenix's Eugene Phelps. Richard Esguerra, ABS-CBN Sports

With his jaw well-bandaged, Erram returned in the second half of the game and went on to hit a clutch jumper late, while also anchoring Blackwater's defense against Phelps. Though he only scored four points, Erram had six rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Most importantly, he limited the usually high-scoring Phelps to only 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting.

"Four stitches + lock jaw = win," Erram later posted on his Facebook page.

His effort earned the admiration of debuting import Henry Walker, who said that the Elite saw Erram's injury and subsequent return to the game as an inspiration.

"Erram competed today," said Walker. "He went up against Phelps, and Phelps is no walk in the park."

Author: Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News
Full Article: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/08/07/17/lockjawed-erram-earns-praise-for-defensive-job-on-phelps