STREAKING BOOSTERS TAKE ON SLUMPING BOLTS
It’s so early in the conference that Petron coach Olsen Racela’s main concern at the moment is how to make his team consistent on things that they want to do.
“We need to improve on our consistency. That was our problem last conference. We have to be consistent and the wins will follow,” said Racela on the eve of their match with the Meralco Bolts at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday.
The Boosters seek a third straight victory while the Bolts are out to check a two-game skid in their 7:30 p.m. match marking the end of Week Two of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
“We’re getting there but it’s still a process. We’re still a long way to go. We’re still talking about consistency. We have to come out with a lot of intensity and energy every single game,” said Racela.
Of course, Racela was satisfied with what his team showed in their lopsided wins over San Mig Coffee and Barangay Ginebra. Their upset loss to GlobalPort on opening day remains a bitter memory, though.
“Nagkakakumpiyansa na because we’re winning. But it’s when you’re facing adversity, doon mo makikita ang team mo if they stay together,” said Racela.
Racela and his team may find this test against the Bolts, who are eager to snap out of a two-game losing streak.
“We failed to close out in the last two games. We just have to play smarter to secure a victory,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.
“We will use our last two losses as a spring board. Things that hurt must instruct. We must learn from it and use it as a learning experience,” Gregorio also said. “Little things like making layups, hitting open shots and burying free throws are small steps towards improvement.”
The youthful Meralco mentor has specific game plans against Petron. He said: “Transition defense must be perfect versus Petron. We must prevent open-court, highlight plays by (Renaldo) Balkman. Defense must be lock-down.”
Balkman has been on a roll with explosive games against San Mig Coffee and Barangay Ginebra.
Officially measured at 6-foot-6, he’s the shortest among gthe current batch of imports but definitely equipped to compete on a high level in the local pro league.
The jury is still out on Meralco’s Eric Dawson.
He was superb on his debut against Talk n Text then crashed back to earth as he faced the double-teaming defense by the Alaska Aces and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters. (SB)
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