Import injured but will play to give Bolts 2nd win, lead

MANILA, Philippines — Opening-day winners NLEX and Meralco resume their campaign in the PBA Governors Cup today when they face separate opponents at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

NLEX and Meralco got off to a great start the other day, holding off TNT KaTropa and Columbian Dyip, respectively, for an early share of the lead.

With momentum on their side, NLEX takes the floor against NorthPort at 4:30 p.m. while Meralco tests its strength against TNT at 6:45 p.m.

All eyes will be on NLEX import Olu Ashaolu, who played through pain caused by a partial tear on his right patellar tendon, which attaches the bottom of the kneecap to the shinbone.

The Nigerian-Canadian, who moves so well despite his heavy frame, suffered the injury in a recent tuneup game, and suited up against TNT facing the hard fact that he’s on the way out.

But he ignored the pain, and delivered 33 points and 23 rebounds. He shone on both ends of the floor and dunked the ball like he was in top shape.

NLEX management is looking for an early replacement. But Ashaolu promised to hang on and do whatever he could until he is relieved.

Acting coach Jojo Lastimosa said Ashaolu had said “goodbye” to his teammates but also promised to “step in and do what I can” until his replacement arrives.

The 30-year-old who missed being drafted in the NBA in 2012 will face NorthPort import Rashad Woods, who had previous stints in Mexico and the Middle East.

Meralco will once again count on two-time Best Import awardee Allen Durham. TNT, on the other hand, hopes to squeeze the best from reinforcement Mike Glover.

Glover had 11 points and 15 rebounds in TNT’s loss to NLEX, and failed to impress head coach Nash Racela.

“We expect more,” said Racela, adding that “eleven and fifteen are not the (right) numbers.”