Pacquiao plays in Kia loss to Meralco

Manny Pacquiao of KIA (light) vs Mike Cortez of Meralco (dark). PBA/NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines — Playing-coach Manny Pacquiao made a rare appearance on the court for the Kia Sorento on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pacquiao played the first six minutes and 30 seconds of the game of the Sorento’s 99-93 loss to the Meralco Bolts that knocked them out of playoff contention.

Pacquiao missed his two attempts from the field — both from the 3-point area — and committed one turnover and a foul but he did get two rebounds.

Meralco outscored Kia by 17 during the time Pacquiao was on the floor. Pacquiao was subbed out at the 5:29 mark of the first quarter with the Sorento down, 23-6.

The WBO welterweight champion was present at the Kia sidelines but opted not to play in a Sorento loss to the Purefoods Star Hotshots last Wednesday in Antipolo.

The only other time that Pacquiao suited up was back in the season opener last Oct. 19 when Kia beat Blackwater at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.