The Meralco Bolts’ bid to dethrone reigning Governor’s Cup champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel had suffered a huge blow, as forward Ranidel De Ocampo strained his left calf muscle early in Game Three, Wednesday night.
The 35-year-old started for the Bolts, but only lasted three minutes and 35 seconds before the injury occurred. According to De Ocampo, he felt the pain in the said part after attacking Gin Kings import Justin Brownlee in a play.
The six-foot-six stretch big man finished with just a foul and a turnover.
The six-time champion shared that this calf injury of his has been nagging him since Meralco’s semis series with the Star Hotshots in the season-ending conference. But,it is only now that the pain went from bad to worse.
“Ito yung naano sa Star eh. Inilaro ko pa rin. Eto yung ginagamit kong muscle. ‘Yun. Bumigay na siya,” said the 13-year veteran, while pointing to his left calf’s outside part.
“Mahirap din talaga ‘pag inilalaro ng may injury.”
As of press time, De Ocampo is heading straight to Makati Medical Center for a series of tests.
With this unfortunate event, De Ocampo’s status in the championship bout — whether he can still play or not — is clouded with uncertainties. And it will depend on what the medical tests will show in the coming days.
“Malalaman dun sa MRI at depende kung long series,” said De Ocampo, “Di naman natin alam kung aabot ng Game Seven. Depende rin sa bilis ng paggaling.”
The Bolts are trying to extend the series, as they are now down in the best-of-seven clash 0-2.
