NORTHPORT hopes to bring back valuable guard Paolo Taha in time for its crucial game against Alaska at the end of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.
The Batang Pier missed the services of Taha in their 91-88 overtime win over Rain or Shine due to back spasm.
Taha went down with the injury in the team's outing against TnT Tropang Giga, and then aggravated it the following game against Magnolia.
"Hindi siya makalakad kasi nagkaroon siya ng back spasm. So masakit," said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio.
The 30-year-old Taha has been a worthy starter for the Batang Pier during the resumption of the conference and averaged 17.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in the their last two outings prior to skipping the Rain or Shine match.
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Those numbers were certainly missed despite the Batang Pier escaping with an overtime win against the Elasto Painters.
But Jarencio said the team certainly needs Taha's presence and contributions in its final game in the elims against Alaska on Thursday at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym especially with the outcome of the match playing a crucial role in NorthPort's quarterfinals bid.
"I hope he can play," said the NorthPort coach. "Sana naman he can recover fast so he can help us.
NorthPort is currently tied for sixth to seventh spots with NLEX at 5-5.(RG)
