BOLTS WARY OF SORENTO TRAP
PLAYING a team with nothing to lose can have its pitfalls.
That is why coach Norman Black can’t stress enough the need for his Meralco team to be on its toes when it takes on Kia 4:15 p.m. Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Bolts sorely want a slide-stopping win to keep alive its hopes of making it among the top six teams which will enjoy a win once-advantage each in the ensuing first phase of the quarterfinals.
Meralco actually finishes its 11-game eliminations schedule against GlobalPort on Tuesday, but Black wants his team to focus on the task at hand.
“It’s a must-win situation for us because it’s our last chance to stay in the running for the twice-to-beat advantage,” said Black.
No such reward is to be had by the Sorento as they have been eliminated from the playoffs hunt following a 77-88 defeat to Purefoods Star last week, the expansion team’s eighth straight loss.
The way Kia drew inspiration from playing-coach Manny Pacquiao and grittily played that game gnaws at Black.
“Kia showed in their last game versus Purefoods that they can compete with any team so we must be ready,” said Black.
Against Purefoods, Kia indeed raised some eyebrows by engaging the defending champion through eight deadlocks and five lead changes.
The Sorento even took the early lead and posted a 52-43 spread before fading in the last eight minutes of the game.
It was eerily reminiscent of the way Kia dragged Alaska through a titanic struggle before the Aces prevailed 85-75 last Nov. 11.
Meralco sure could use such a tough-as-nails stance following back-to-back losses to Purefoods and San Miguel Beer. More so now that Reynel Hugnatan, Gary David and Anjo Caram are doubtful starters against Kia.
Hugnatan sat out the SMB game due to a knee sprain, David is suffering from flu-like symptoms while Caram is nursing a sprain.
Still, Black has enough weapons at his disposal led by the likes of Cliff Hodge, Jared Dillinger, Mark Macapagal, Sean Anthony and John Wilson.
For its part, Kia must translate the boost provided by Pacquiao’s expected presence into solid games from Reil Cervantes, LA Revilla, JR Buensuceso, Kyle Pascual and Joshua Webb to fuel their transition game.
“Handling their defensive pressure and our ability to stop their running game will be the keys for us,” said Black. (NC)
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