BIG man Mike Miranda will miss NLEX’s crucial PBA Governors Cup game against Meralco on Sunday after being meted a one-game suspension by the league on Friday.
The 6-foot-6 Miranda was sanctioned for a flagrant foul penalty 2 infraction against Phoenix import Eugene Phelps during the Road Warriors’ 123-97 blowout loss against the Fuel Masters on Wednesday.
The incident took place at the 5:23 mark of the second period and Phoenix with a huge 48-27 lead. The F2 led to Miranda’s outright ejection as he played for only six minutes and had three points and a single rebound.
On top of the suspension, he was also fined P20,000.
“He was summoned at the PBA office last Friday, and since second infraction niya na ito, may suspension na,” said Commissioner Willie Marcial.
Miranda averaged 5.28 points and 3.25 rebounds in eight games with NLEX this conference.
His suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Road Warriors, who are currently in the thick of fighting for a playoffs berth.
NLEX carries an even 4-4 record for sixth place heading to its showdown against the struggling Bolts (1-6) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, but had lost its last two games against Phoenix and defending champion Barangay Ginebra by an average margin of 20.0 points.
“It’s going to be crucial because Meralco is also struggling and trying to make the Top 8. All we can do now is to look forward to that and get ourselves out of the skid,” said coach Yeng Guiao.
“We’ll try to find out what’s wrong with the team. As of now, wala akong makita na dahilan pa, pero for sure, we’re doing something wrong with the last two games So it’s up to us now to sort it out.”
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