SMART CLARK GIGA CITY – Reynel Hugnatan did not see action when Meralco wrapped up its 2020 PBA Philippine Cup elimination round campaign versus the already-eliminated NorthPort, Wednesday afternoon.
The veteran forward didn’t play for the Bolts for the second straight game since feeling a strain in his groin — Hugnatan got hurt during their match versus the TNT Tropang Giga over the weekend, where they lost.
Head coach Norman Black, however, assured that the 42-year-old is fine, that he could have even played versus the Batang Pier. However, they decided not to use him anymore as they’re thinking of the bigger picture.
Meralco is already assured of a trip to the quarterfinals, and Black deemed it best to save the 17-year pro for the postseason that starts Friday.
And even without Hugnatan on the floor, the Bolts managed to come out with the 80-73 win to gain enough steading heading into their first Philippine Cup quarterfinal appearance in five years.
“Reynel could’ve played today,” said the decorated mentor moments after the match at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center. “But we decided to rest him for the playoffs because we felt that was more important.
“We knew we were in the quarterfinals no matter what happened today, so we wanted to make sure that there would not be any type of injury to him this afternoon and he can just prepare for the next game.”
Hugnatan has been among Meralco’s leaders this conference. Before getting hurt versus the Tropa, the three-time PBA champion was averaging 13.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
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