4 PBA players feared positive

MANILA, Philippines — The PBA reported its first suspected COVID-19 positive cases in the young season and immediately stepped up its health and safety protocols.

The pro league yesterday announced that four players from the TNT Tropang Giga have “returned tests that were either positive or needs to be confirmed,” leading to isolation and postponement of two games scheduled today.

“They are now isolated and will be tested again. The rest of the team who tested negative are also isolated and will be retested,” said the PBA, which did not name the players.

As a result, the league postponed the Tropang Giga’s scheduled 6 p.m. game against the Magnolia Hotshots. It also reset the 12:30 p.m. duel featuring Terrafirma and Alaska to a future date.

The league explained that under the government-approved protocols, the Dyip have to go on isolation and undergo a followup test, too, having played TNT in their previous game last Saturday. Unlike TNT, all members of Terrafirma tested negative, according to the PBA.

A twin-bill replaced the original triple-header at the Ynares Sports Arena today with Phoenix (0-1) and NorthPort (0-1) ushering in action at 3 p.m.

Alaska (1-0) and Magnolia (1-0) face each other instead at 6 p.m. with the victor getting a share of the lead with idle Meralco (2-0) and Rain or Shine (2-0).

The challenge now for the Aces and Hotshots is to quickly adjust to their new opponents.

“It makes the game extra challenging because we prepared three days for Terrafirma,” said Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso.

“I know Magnolia is also on the same boat but for Alaska being a younger team, the challenge is greater on our end,” he added.