MERALCO import Ismael Romero took a break from his club duties as he got a national team call-up for Puerto Rico in Window 2 of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Americas qualifiers.
Romero suited up for Puerto Rico in Thursday's (Friday Manila time) clash against Canada at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan where he had 16 points and eight rebounds.
READ Marcial reacts to Meralco plan to tap Romero as PBA import
But Puerto Rico fell just short against Canada in overtime, 96-85, to stay winless after three games in Group B which the Canadians now lead with a 3-0 record.
Romero also played alongside former Blackwater import Chris Ortiz, who had 17 points in the game.
Puerto Rico will play Bahamas on Sunday (Monday Manila time) before Romero goes back to Manila where he is set to play for Meralco in the PBA Commissioner's Cup after his stint in the EASL.
Sina Vahedi, also an import of Meralco during its recently concluded EASL campaign, will play for Iran in this FIBA window.
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