BOOSTERS TEST POISE ON EXPRESS
ITS last time out, Petron Blaze barely escaped with the skin of its teeth.
Now comes a dangerous Air21 squad the Boosters must hurdle Friday to assume at least solo second-running spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A fourth straight victory by Petron in the 5:15 p.m. match would give it a 4-1 slate, easing it out of its current tie with Rain or Shine. The Boosters could even
gain a share of the lead should unbeaten Alaska fall to Talk N Text
later in the evening.
But coach Olsen Racela wants his Boosters to concentrate on taking care of their own end of the bargain, especially after they almost failed to do so in their last game.
“We have to improve in that area, yung finishing the game, giving up leads. Dapat mahasa pa yung killer instinct ng team,” said Racela.
Petron seemed to have lacked that in its game against Meralco last week. The Boosters barely won, 88-86, after almost blowing a 22-point lead in the fourth period.
Despite the harrowing experience, Racela sees a silver lining.
“The good thing about it, previously we take the lead and still we lost,” he stated. “Against Meralco, we ended up the winner. Positive pa rin ang tingin namin doon sa larong iyon.”
Air21 is admittedly a tough match.
After opening the conference with a win, the Express have lost three straight, the last a 97-99 decision to Rain or Shine last Wednesday. In all, Air21 has lost by just an average of just 3.3 points, a fact not lost on Racela.
“They are really playing well despite their losses,” he pointed out.
“They’re playing much better than in their previous tournaments and their import does a lot for them,” he added.
Indeed, Michael Dunigan has been a pillar of strength for the Express, shooting just 4-of-14 from the field against the Elasto Painters’ double-teaming defense but still emerging with a game-high 22 points on top of 10 rebounds and five assists.
“Siya talaga ang concentration namin,” said Racela, adding Air21 playing back-to-back games should help his team’s bid.
“We have to take advantage of that,” he stated.
Petron is also set to play two straight games in three days, with a match against Barako Bull set Sunday.
“Parehong crucial and we’ll only have a day’s preparation in-between, but we have to focus on Air21 first,” said Racela.
He would have had less worries if his lineup is complete. But Alex Cabagnot is still out with a sprained right ankle and so is Chris Lutz with a rib injury. Even Dorian Pena has just had a bout with sore eyes. (NC)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
