Almazan continues to prove worth for Meralco as last line of defense

Raymond Almazan’s block on Stanley Pringle. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco knew what it was getting when it traded for Raymond Almazan last year.

And the lanky center is showing exactly why he’s the missing piece for the Bolts in the Philippine Cup semifinals against top seed Barangay Ginebra

Brought in for his defensive prowess, Almazan proved his worth with a game-saving block against Stanley Pringle that extended Meralco’s season.

“That was a huge block by Raymond. He’s really our inside defender, a guy we count on to be the last line of defense around the basket,” said Meralco head coach Norman Black after an 81-80 win in Game 4.

“He’s still not 100% yet, but he’s getting better. And that was just a huge defensive play for us. It gives us a chance to tie the series 2-2 and of course, to possibly win Game 5 and move on to the finals.”

The 6-foot-8 Almazan, who suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his left knee in Game 3 of the 2019
Governors’ Cup against Ginebra earlier this year, finished with 11 points, three rebounds and a block.