The rubber match between Basilan-Jumbo Plastic and Davao Occidental-Cocolife in the 2020-21 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan Playoffs has been delayed once more.
The entire Steel delegation have been put under seven-day quarantine after being classified as PUIs (person under investigation).
“We are under seven days quarantine,” said head coach Jerson Cabiltes.
Basilan arrived in the league’s Subic bubble last March 8. One player, whose identity is undisclosed by the league, tested positive for the coronavirus. The player has been isolated, while the entire team has been put under quarantine as per protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force.
Game Three of the Southern Division Finals was supposed to take place on Wednesday at 4:00PM.
Every Steel player and official will undergo another round of swab testing after seven days. If they test negative, the league will then re-schedule the win-or-go-home tiff.
Basilan stunned Davao Occidental back on March 9, 74-72, to take the opener of the three-game series at the RDR Gymnasium in Tagum City. The Tigers were able to knot the series two days later after an 81-76 win at Lamitan Capitol Gym in the Steel’s home turf.
The pandemic forced the league to stop play afterward.
MPBL play was cleared to resume last week through new protocols set by the Department of Health; the hosting of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; and the backing of Bong Cuevas and Chooks-to-Go.
With this, the league has moved the Northern Division Finals between San Juan-Go for Gold and Makati to 4PM. The game will also be held at the Subic Bay Gymnasium.