PBA: Stephen Holt sits out Terrafirma-Phoenix game with back problem

FILE–Terrafirma Dyip’s Stephen Holt. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Stephen Holt was in civilian clothes during Terrafirma and Phoenix’s clash in the elimination round of the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena on Wednesday.

Holt, who was the conference’s first PBA  Player of the Week, opted to sit out Dyip’s fourth tournament game with an ailing back.

“[I have a] lower back tightness. I didn’t even practice for the last two days,” said the rookie, who will be participating in the PBA All-Star Weekend a few days away from Wednesday.

READ: PBA: Stephen Holt determined to tow Terrafirma to places

The frontrunner for Rookie of the Year revealed to Inquirer Sports that he felt discomfort in his back after the squad’s 100-97 loss to TNT on Saturday.

In that defeat, Holt recorded 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists on an efficient 42 percent field goal shooting clip.

Fortunately for coach Johnedel Cardel, Holt will be ready to play again on Saturday when Terrafirma clashes with Blackwater at Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

“After the TNT game, they just wanted to play it smart for me and manage my body for the long haul and the game on Saturday.”