NO GIVING UP
Losing its first four games, Meralco now faces the possibility of being the first casualty in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup.
Already missing out some key players, coach Ryan Gregorio has to will the Bolts to carry the fight and at least get a crack at the top eight.
Jared Dillinger is still expected to play even if his back issues are still creeping in, while Mike Cortez is still doubtful.
To make matters worse, Rabeh Al-Hussaini is nowhere to be found, hurting the chances of a team which is shallow in the front court.
“It’s simply too taxing for a team that has not a lot of players. But am I giving up? The answer is no, for as long as there are still games to be played, we’re gonna compete,” Gregorio said.
“Am I disappointed? Definitely. We’re not supposed to be in this situation but we are. Are we giving up? I told the players to not feel bad about the situation because you really played your best. We’re just unlucky. But hopefully, it’s not just luck which will win us games but effort and intelligence.”
With four games in and still no win to boot, Gregorio took the harsh reality that if they want to move forward, they have to find a way to at least chalk up one in the win column.
“Our modest goal right now is to win one against Alaska, our immediate demon, come Sunday. We can’t have lofty goals at this point because it’s hard to win if you’re coming from a series of losses. You just have to dust it off,” he said.
The Bolts face the Aces in the curtain raiser this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum slated at 3 p.m.
But all isn’t that bad for the Bolts, as returning import Mario West once again impressed in his third time out, almost recording a triple-double with his 31 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in Meralco’s 90-108 defeat against San Mig Coffee last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Alaska (2-2) is coming off of a heartbreaking 91-88 setback to Air21 last Friday, and will once again lean on its all-around reinforcement William Henry Walker.
(RL)
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.
