Sports NEWS

Raymond Almazan missed Meralco’s 97-87 victory over NorthPort on Thursday, June 23 after being put under health and safety protocols.

Raymond Almazan is determined to make a significant impact for Meralco in the upcoming PBA Governors’ Cup Finals clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and atone for the circumstances of their previous title showdown.

Allein Maliksi’s timely shooting, a career game from Nards Pinto and Raymond Almazan’s return were all the key ingredients that kept Meralco alive in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with Magnolia Pambansang Manok.

Raymond Almazan will not be available for Meralco in Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series with Magnolia Pambansang Manok due a sprained left ankle he suffered in the 92-78 loss last Oct. 6.

This week’s expected restart of the PBA Philippine Cup eliminations is considered very crucial for teams needing an early momentum in their quarterfinal bids.

Raymond Almazan was a perfect embodiment of the "no pain, no gain" mentality on Wednesday night.

Meralco staved off elimination with a thrilling 83-80 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Wednesday that forced their PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series to a deciding fifth game at the Angeles University Foundation Sports and Cultural Center.

Coach Norman Black has always been saying that Raymond Almazan and Allein Maliksi are difference-makers for Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup, especially in another playoff duel versus Barangay Ginebra.

Slowly but surely, Raymond Almazan has been showing great signs of recovery from the major injury he suffered earlier this year.

Meralco head coach Norman Black believes that a fully conditioned Raymond Almazan will play a major role in their bid for a first-ever PBA title in the shortened season.