Meralco’s Almazan leaves Game 3 with knee injury

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco will have to make do with a limited roster in Game 3 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals after key cog Raymond Almazan suffered an injury in the first quarter Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Almazan appeared to have banged knees with Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio and fell awkwardly after a layup attempt at the 5:55 mark of the opening period. Initial prognosis has the 6-foot-7 center sustaining a left knee strain at the 5:55 mark of the opening period.

The 30-year-old Almazan, who is averaging 17.5 points in the finals, left the game and has already been deemed out for the remainder of the game. He finished with two points and two rebounds in only six minutes of play.

The Gin Kings are ahead, 70-55, late in the third quarter as of posting time. The series is tied at 1-1.