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ONE TRACK MINDS
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Rain or Shine has an objective on its crosshairs and so does Meralco.
Which of them has the stronger will to move closer to realizing their respective targets will be resolved Wednesday when they clash anew in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A repeat win by the streaking Elasto Painters gives them at least a continued share of second-running spot, which carries with it a handsome bonus, while the Bolts are looking for a victory that assures their entry into the eight-team quarterfinals.
Meralco actually winds up its elimination round campaign against Air21 on Saturday but coach Ryan Gregorio said they are bent on getting the job done right here and now and only a steel-like mindset is needed.
“Our mentality has not changed. We are still on survival mode,” said Gregorio. “We are conscious of our situation and every victory counts.”
The Bolts have actually won two straight but that pales when compared to the E-Painters’ five-game streak capped by a 90-88 decision over defending champion Talk N Text last Saturday.
“We are up against the hottest team in the league. Rain or Shine has won five straight and they are functioning so well. We must disrupt their flow and the antidote is our tough defensive stance,” said Gregorio.
Rain or Shine winds up the elims against eliminated Air21 also on Saturday, but coach Yeng Guiao fully knows one missed step by his team would only give an opening to Petron Blaze, which is also in the hunt for a top two spot and a twice-to-beat advantage in the ensuing quarterfinals.
Besides, the momentum the E-Painters worked so hard to build could very well vanish in this most crucial of stages.
“We need to keep the fire burning. All our efforts are focused on gaining a twice-to-beat advantage. The moment we slip, Petron is going to pounce on the opportunity,” stressed Guiao.
Mike Cortez is out for the rest of the tournament and most of the mid-season conference due to a right knee injury, but Meralco has still thrived with Jared Dillinger taking over most of the playmaking chores. Hindering his moves should be key, according to Guiao.
“Meralco is playing beyond expectations without their top point guard. Dillinger has been keeping this team above water with his heads up plays. We have to be able to slow him down a little bit,” said the grizzled tactician.
Rain or Shine beat Meralco 94-89 the first time they met Nov. 22 and all due to a wild finish which featured a controversial jump ball call and Beau Belga capping a 20-point, seven-rebound performance with four charities inside the last 35 seconds. (NC)
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