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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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25
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
25
2024
MERALCO and Kia are presumably set to part ways, but not after one last go Wednesday at the end of the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts are eyeing to make the next round outright and avoid the complications a loss may bring. Coach Norman Black takes comfort in the fact his team should still make it through in the event they fall into any tie.
“From what I’ve seen we have to beat Kia. That’s the most important thing right now, more so to get the momentum going to the playoffs. I think we do have the best quotient among the teams remaining,” said Black.
That could offer one tiny problem, however. “I’m hoping we can convince the players not to think about that (of having already qualified), but instead try to go out and want to get the win so we can have momentum,” offered Black.
Should Meralco lose and fall into a four-way tie at 5-6 with Kia, Talk N Text and Barangay Ginebra, the Bolts indeed have the higher quotient since they beat the Tropang Texters and the Kings.
For its part, Kia lost to Star, TNT and Ginebra and is now hoping it wins big and the Kings lose to give the expansion team a sliver of a chance to make it through.
For sure, the Carnival won’t go out without a fight, according to assistant coach Chito Victolero, even though they have lost five of their last six games, including the last three.
“We still have a chance to make it to the playoffs. Whatever chance that we have we’d still work hard for it and grab it,” said the man calling the shots for Kia in lieu of injured playing-coach Manny Pacquiao.
“We know it’s very hard but our mission and our goal is to win that game and we pray for the best after that. Kasi nga, wala na rin sa kamay namin iyung 50 percent chance namin,” added Victolero.
Even if they don’t make it through, Victolero said it would still be nice to go out on a bright note. ”We’re still hopeful and motivated that we’re improving every conference,” he stated.
“Ang kailangan namin maglaro na ang mind-set namin is not to play only but to win the game.”
Such an attitude is what Black also wants from his team. “Obviously, we cannot get the twice-to-beat anymore, so it’s all about placing and having a little bit of confidence and momentum going to the next round,” he said. (NC)
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