PLAYING CATCH UP
The Meralco Bolts and the Alaska Aces have a lot of catching up to do after finding themselves in the lower half of the chart midway through the elimination round of the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup.
They’re both hoping to begin the tough climb to the top as they mix it up at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Aces, at 2-5, hope to start a turnaround with Calvin Abueva returning from a one-game layoff due to a sprained ankle.
A game ahead at 3-4, the Bolts try to crank up despite their own health woes. Cliff Hodge is game-time decision while Kerby Raymundo is still indefinitely out.
The Aces have won only one of their last four games while the Bolts are coming off a 73-77 loss to the Petron Blaze Boosters in a road game in Dipolog City Saturday.
“We must take care of business as we’re playing well against elite teams. Now, we have to complete the hat trick. Against Petron, we were two possessions away,” said Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio.
“Hopefully we can do the little things to turn negatives into positives,” Gregorio also said. “Limit turnovers. Shoot better from the FT line and control the rebounds. These are three fundamental things that we must get better against Alaska.”
For the Aces, the problem seems to be more mental just like what the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers have been going through.
“Masyadong mababa ang inilalaro,” said Alaska team manager Dickie Bachmann.
“Si Sonny Thoss lang ang medyo maganda ang inilalaro. Even then, he’s not in his usual level,” Bachmann also said.
Gregorio, however, isn’t taking the Aces for granted.
“Alaska is a team not to be dismissed. They are definitely better than their win-loss mark,” said Gregorio. “We must do a lot of extra to compete and win.”
The articulate Meralco mentor insists they must get extra possessions, get extra rebounds and win the hustle board if they are to beat Alaska. (SB)
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