NOT TAKING ANY CHANCES
They found a way to hurdle defending champion Alaska the last time, and the Meralco Bolts are hopeful they can find a way again to make it two in a row versus the GlobalPort Batang Pier.
The Bolts and the Batang Pier clash in the 5:45 p.m. mainer of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Petron Blaze Saturday Special at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Ryan Gregorio is hopeful though energetic guard/forward Jared Dillinger remains a game-day decision.
“We want to follow up our big win against Alaska. Defense will again play a major factor,” said Gregorio.
“With a depleted lineup, it is important that we play as a team on both ends of the floor. Help each other on defense and make an unselfish basketball play on offense,” Gregorio added.
The youthful Meralco bench chieftain said they’re not taking chances against GlobalPort, pointing out: “They might be 0-3 now but they are definitely a talented team.”
“We have to control the tempo of the game,” Gregorio added.
The Batang Pier are aching to get over the hump, having lost three games against the Air21 Express, the Alaska Aces and the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers.
They remain in search of a first win under coach Pido Jarencio.
Meralco, meanwhile, broke into the win column after losing its tournament debut against San Miguel Beer.
Bryan Butch outperformed reigning Best Import Rob Dozier and rookie guard Anjo Caram seized the moment in playing the spot of injured teammates as Meralco pulled the rug from under Alaska, 85-76.
Butch drained six triples and finished with game highs of 27 points, 17 rebounds, two steals and two blocks while Caram played well in setting the plays as the Bolts sprang back from a 76-94 blowout by the San Miguel Beermen in their tournament debut.
Reynel Hugnatan, Gary David and Clifford Hodge contributed double-digit outputs to help the Bolts score some measure of revenge against the team that knocked them out in a do-or-die battle for the last playoff spot in the last Philippine Cup.
“We did a good job competing today despite our obvious lack of arsenal because of injured players. We’re able to do the job because of defense,” said Gregorio.
“We found a way to beat the defending champs and that’s a welcome development after losing badly against San Miguel Beer,” Gregorio also said. (SB)
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