First PBA field goal hard to come by for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — He may have registered his first career point in the PBA, but Kia playing-coach Manny Pacquiao continued to come up empty from the field.

Pacquiao is now 0-of-6 from the field this 2014-2015 season after missing  two attempts against Talk ‘N Text on Wednesday, only his fourth game as a professional basketball player.

The WBO welterweight champion entered the game at the start of the second quarter and his first attempt was a jumper from the right elbow over Tropang Texters swingman Larry Fonacier that resulted to an air ball. Barely a minute later, he launched a 3-pointer from the top of the key that hit the rim, this time.

“Ranidel pagbigyan niyo na si Manny. Huwag niyo ng bantayan!” a man sitting behind the basket yelled at Talk ‘N Text forward Ranidel de Ocampo.

(Ranidel, give Manny a chance. Don’t defend him!)

Pacquiao, who is set to fight the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas, played six minutes and 43 seconds. He also went 0-of-2 in the Carnival’s stunning 95-84 win over defending champion Purefoods.

Kia added the Texters to its list of victims with a 106-103 victory.

Pacquiao will also play for the Carnival against Blackwater on Saturday before leaving for Los Angeles, where he will kick off his training for the megafight.

RELATED STORIES

Pacquiao scores first career point in PBA

Pacquiao to play for Kia Wednesday before flying to US