Barako Bull goes up against ‘very dangerous’ Blackwater

Despite its struggles, Blackwater has just shown it could compete with the best of the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup field.

No wonder Barako Bull coach Koy Banal can’t help but feel apprehensive going to his Energy’s clash with the Elite Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re going up against a very dangerous team,” said Banal on the eve of the match that has his team gunning to tie idle Barangay Ginebra at sixth-running spot.

At the end of the 11-game eliminations the top two teams are given automatic semifinals berths while those ranked third to sixth will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage each in the first phase of the quarterfinals.

For its part, Blackwater is aiming to join idle Mahindra at 10th, the last spot among the teams advancing to the playoffs and could do so if it prevails not only against Barako but also against Star and Mahindra in its remaining assignments.

The Elite sure are on the verge of desperation since they are on a five-game slide, capped by a 94-102 double overtime loss to the Kings last Saturday. That only tends to add to their ferocity, according to Banal.

“They lost in a double overtime game against Ginebra and that gives them the confidence to compete with any team,” said Banal.

“They are playing good basketball and they have a very good chance of making the playoffs.”

Indeed, Blackwater has displayed grit not only against Ginebra but also against such teams as Alaska, San Miguel Beer and TNT, only to fade when winning time came.

The Elite are bound to find that necessary poise and Banal just hopes it won’t be against his squad.

“We cannot afford to be sloppy against them. We really need to feel the sense of urgency even in our preparations,” said Banal, whose team still has Star and Alaska to contend with.

“The key here is to stay focused from start to finish and to have the right mind-set.” (NC)

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