Must win NLEX, Meralco face off

WHATEVER affinity sister teams Meralco and NLEX may have for each other would be thrown out the window on this one.

The Bolts and Road Warriors clash Wednesday as they gear up for what should be a tough stretch run in the PBA Governors Cup eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The winner cements its place among the top eight advancing to the quarterfinals following the 11-game eliminations while the loser would be hard-pressed to grab one of the berths.

“Needless to say it’s an important game for us if we want to brighten our chances,”said Bolts coach Norman Black, whose team currently runs fifth in the standings.

“For us, each one of our remaining assignments is a must-win,”said the Road Warriors’Boyet Fernandez. “More so tomorrow’s game since a win would enhance our chances of making it through.

As has been true in their past games, both coaches insist defense is the major factor, especially on their opponent’s main weapon.

“We must limit (Henry) Walker if we want to give ourselves a shot at winning,” said Black of NLEX’s import, who averages 32 points and a little under 11 rebounds a game.

“Taking care of the ball and getting those rebounds should also be key,” added Black.

The likes of Chris Newsome, Jared Dillinger, Cliff Hodge and Jimmy Alapag have been vital cogs for Meralco, but Fernandez is most concerned with Allen Durham and his tournament averages of 30.86 points, 15 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

“Meralco is a strong team. They have talented local players, plus they have a very good import in Durham,” said Fernandez.

“We really have to be solid in our defense, both individually and as a team, if we want to upset Meralco.”

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