ANTIPOLO – Raymond Almazan missed Meralco’s PBA Philippine Cup match versus NorthPort Thursday as he got placed under health protocols.
Bolts head coach Norman Black revealed that the veteran center tested positive for COVID-19, meaning that he will also be out for their clash versus NLEX in another all-MVP affair on Saturday at the Ynares Center here.
“Raymond is under health protocols, so hopefully he’ll be able to be retested this weekend and he’ll be back already,” said the champion mentor.
Black, though, said that Almazan suffered ‘very, very mild symptoms,’ thus his optimism that the 32-year-old will be back soon after his re-test on Sunday.
“Luckily for us, his symptoms are very, very mild. I think he’s feeling okay right now but the health protocols have to be followed, so we’re just following them.”
Almazan played in all of Meralco’s first three games of the conference and averaged 7.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
The Bolts managed to do just fine even without him as they extended the skid of NorthPort by way of a 97-87 decision thanks to the contributions of many, particularly from their frontcourt players led by Raymar Jose.
The FEU product stepped up with their lead slotman away as he finished with nine points and 13 rebounds in his best game of the season yet.
“It’s exactly what we needed, for some of the other guys to step up,” said Black as Meralco improved to 3-1.
“I think Toto did a good job for us tonight.”
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