John Matthew "JM" Bravo shows strong resolve after being knocked out unconscious during a tense moment in the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Season 100 men's basketball tournament on October 19, 2024.
Read: JM Bravo stretchered out of LPU's loss to Arellano, now conscious
The incident occurred in the final seconds of the game between the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates and Arellano University Chiefs, where JM collided head-on with Renzo Abiera while scrambling for a loose ball.
With just eight seconds left on the clock and the Chiefs leading 90-86, the impact sent JM crashing to the floor, prompting immediate concern from players and spectators alike.
In the wake of the incident, coach Gilbert Locariñas Malabanan took to Facebook to provide an update for anxious fans.
Hours after the knockout, he shared a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for the 24-year-old guard's recovery.
"Thank you LORD [emojis] and we keep praying for your fast recovery. I love you, our mighty warrior," he wrote, accompanied by a screenshot of a video call with JM, who appeared to be resting in what looked like a hospital bed.
In the Philippines, the NCAA is a collegiate athletic association that oversees various sports competitions among member schools.
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JM BRAVO'S COMEBACK
Initial medical reports indicated that JM had been revived and was able to communicate, although he struggled to breathe.
His condition was closely monitored as he was transported from the FilOil EcoOil Arena—where the game took place—via stretcher.
The incident overshadowed a fiercely competitive game that ultimately ended with the Pirates losing to the Chiefs, 91-86.
An emotional weight accompanies the occurrence for the Bulacan native, who recently returned to the court after missing a large part of the first round due to a spine injury.
In response to fans negatively reacting to shooting guard John Barba shaking JM right after the latter went unconscious, JM said, "Please STOP spreading bad vibes, bad and nonsense comments please!
"John Barba and I are very close and I treat him as a brother also, I understand what he did and I appreciate everyone's concern especially my team (LPU) [emojis] so please stop making bad comments."
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