SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Will Raymond Almazan play?
There remains no call ahead of Meralco’s winner-take-all clash versus San Miguel in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals, Sunday night at the SMART 5G-powered AUF Sports and Cultural Center.
The 6-foot-8 slotman hurt his left knee — the one he injured last season, then surgically repaired later on — late in the first quarter of their encounter last Friday, following a collision with Beermen guard Von Pessumal.
Almazan had to be assisted by his teammates on his way to the bench. He did not check back into the game, leaving the match scoreless in only two minutes of playing time.
Even without him, though, the Bolts came out on top with a 78-71 decision. They also erased the reigning five-time champions’ twice-to-beat advantage — becoming the only quarters series to play a rubber match.
Game time is at 6:45 p.m.
The uncertainty around Almazan’s status may affect Meralco but there’s no shortage of motivation for them heading into the clash. The chance to conquer a mighty dynasty is there for them to take.
Head coach Norman Black felt proud to witness his wards show heart in Friday’s match, where they weathered San Miguel’s late-game rally big thanks to Reynel Hugnatan and rookie Aaron Black.
“Our guys played with a lot of heart tonight, they really played hard,” the decorated mentor said. “And I’m just happy that my players, they stood firm at the end; they made some crucial shots at the end.”
Black is well aware, though, that they are still up against a Beermen squad that made its strong case as one of the best all-Filipino teams ever assembled, given their unprecedented streak.
San Miguel has had its depth challenged this season, with the absence of June Mar Fajardo and Terrence Romeo, and with Chris Ross and Marcio Lassier playing through pain. Still, Black knows what that team is capable of.
They only have to look back on the last game for some reminders. There, Lassiter had 12 points while Ross had 10 markers, with the former among those responsible for helping San Miguel come back from as much as 17 down.
“One thing you have to respect with San Miguel is that they’ve been so great for so long. They’re very experienced. They are missing some key players right now, but they still have key players out there on the court,” he said.
“You can’t really let your guard down when you’re playing them, even if they have a few injuries. You have to go out and play hard every minute that you’re on the court,” added Black.
San Miguel’s battle-tested veterans — including Arwind Santos and Chris Ross — remain their main providers. Coach Leo Austria has also been receiving key contributions from guys like Von Pessumal, Russel Escoto, and Paul Zamar.
And that’s something to keep an eye on for Black, who will be banking on leaders Chris Newsome and Baser Amer.
The Bolts look to make their first Philippine Cup playoff appearance in five years even more special.
The winner will face Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-five semis on Wednesday
