ALLEN Durham seemed hampered by a protective mask fitted just three days ago, coming up with an anemic performance in Meralco’s loss to TNT on Saturday after delivering huge numbers in their first two games.
The nose injury sustained from an elbow by Sonny Thoss in their game against Alaska last Sunday could take up to six weeks to heal and coach Norman Black hopes Durham would become comfortable with the mask soon as they look to get back on track.
After averaging 34 points on 60.5-percent shooting in leading the Bolts to their first two wins, Durham was limited to just 14 points as he missed 10 of his 16 shots in 40 minutes.
“He wasn’t on top of his game and he doesn’t seem to be very comfortable with it (mask) right now,” Bolts coach Norman Black said of Durham, who had his protective mask fitted just last Wednesday.
[See TNT Katropa gains share of lead, deals Meralco first loss in Governors Cup]
"I give Talk ’N Text credit also for their defense, but I’m sure the injury had a little bit to do with his performance,” he added of the returning import
Still, Durham managed to contribute 14 boards, five assists, and four blocks as the Bolts just fell short in their threat to extend the game into an extra session.
“He was still out there giving his best,” Black said. “I think it might take some time for him to get used to the mask.”
“He’ll probably have to deal with that problem for the rest of the conference,” he added.
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