PBA: Zach Lofton takes over as Meralco import for game vs NorthPort

Meralco Bolts’ Zach Lofton. –CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco will go with its East Asia Super League import Zach Lofton as reinforcement for Sunday’s game against NorthPort in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Coach Luigi Trillo confirmed the switch to the Inquirer Thursday after Su Braimoh injured his Achilles during the Bolts’ victory over the NLEX Road Warriors over the weekend.

Trillo, however, didn’t say if he will be their import for the season-opening conference moving forward, but he had said prior that the Bolts will up some height with Lofton standing at 6-foot-4.

The Bolts also have plenty of guards on their lineup, namely Chris Newsome, Chris Banchero, Anjo Caram and the injured Aaron Black.

But Lofton put up 35 points when the Bolts lost to the New Taipei Kings in their EASL road game last week.

Lofton will look to improve their 4-1 record against the Batang Pier and remain among the teams on top of the Commissioner’s Cup standings.

Braimoh got hurt during the final minutes of Meralco’s 97-94 win over NLEX, and underwent surgery on Tuesday.

Meralco initially contemplated on finding someone who can fill the team’s need down low, but going with Lofton.

Prince Ibeh, the Bolts’ other reinforcement in the EASL, is listed at 6-foot-10, one inch above the Commissioner’s Cup height limit.