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KEEPING THE BOAT AFLOAT
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MERALCO admittedly dodged a bullet when it recently pulled off an upset win and gained a new lease on life in the PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Bolts will need to come up with more than just their A-game anew if they hope to elude the bigger shell Rain or Shine is sure to be packing Tuesday in their collision at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Elasto Painters are currently on a three-game streak and want another win that should bolster their bid to cop a top four spot and its accompanying twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
Yet Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao would be the first to point out that Meralco is one foe which could not be taken lightly, more so now that the Bolts remain fighting for their lives even after their 90-74 toppling of San Miguel Beer last Saturday.
“Meralco is playing with their backs against the wall. That’s probably the most dangerous opponent you can have,” said Guiao.
Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio has his own concerns, foremost of which is how to solve the big puzzle that is Rain or Shine.
“Same goal, to keep our boat afloat. We dodged a bullet against the mighty San Miguel Beermen. We played with focus and determination, knowing the game’s strong implications on our fate. Same ingredients are necessary against the red-hot Rain or Shine team,” said Gregorio.
“Our defense will be put to an acid test. They averaged over 120 points against quality teams (Alaska and Ginebra). Their rhythm must be destroyed. They are playing at a very high level on both ends of the floor.”
Indeed, the E-Painters have seemingly fully recovered from their 0-2 start in the season-ending tourney, following up a 123-72 demolition of Alaska with a 117-108 victory over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel last Sunday.
“The team started a little slow this conference but we are getting back to form as evidenced by our last few games,” said Guiao. “ I hope this surge is not too late in our goal to make it to the top four.”
Gregorio knows exactly why Rain or Shine is on a roll. “They force many turnovers because of their activity on defense, they score a lot in transition, they are hitting the bottom of the net on 3’s,” he noted.
“Having said that, we must find an antidote against their strengths. Easier said than done, but we simply have to find ways. Our own survival is at stake.” (NC)
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EDITORS' PICK
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