RDO returns to boost Meralco’s playoff chance

Ranidel de Ocampo returns to Meralco on Nov. 3 when the Bolts try to clinch an all-important win against the San Miguel Beermen to wrap up their elimination round assignment in the PBA Governors' Cup.

The Bolts are looking to extend their winning streak to four games and finish the elims with a 5-6 record to hopefully stay in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

De Ocampo has played just three games this conference due to an injured left calf that also forced him to skip the FIBA Asia Champions Cup in Nonthaburi, Thailand last month.

The former national team mainstay has been dealing with injuries for most of the season, having missed several games in the Commissioner's Cup due to a problem on his Achilles heel.

Coach Norman Black also said that veteran KG Canaleta is likely to come back against the Beermen, giving the Bolts additional depth.

The former Slam Dunk champion sat Sunday's 91-82 victory over Rain or Shine due to a hamstring issue.

"That gives us more depth upfront having those guys, and we will see what happens," said Black, whose wards have won their last three games to avoid elimination.

Meralco, which carries a 4-6 record, needs to win over San Miguel to stay in the hunt for the quarters.

The Bolts are half-game behind TNT KaTropa and NLEX Road Warriors who are tied for seventh at 4-5.

With De Ocampo and Jared Dillinger injured, the Bolts started the conference 1-6 marred by six consecutive defeats.

But Meralco responded by defeating NLEX and Magnolia to revive its chances of making the last eight.