PUREFOODS BACK AT 1ST, BUT TOP 2 FINISH HANGS
The Purefoods Star Hotshots did what they had to do. Now, they have to wait if any help would come along.
With another overpowering performance from import Denzel Bowles, Purefooods topped Meralco, 96-85, to close out with an 8-3 win-loss record in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
“We finished the way we wanted. We don’t care what would happen now,” said Purefoods coach Tim Cone.
“We want the Top Two but that’s beyond our control. If we end up third, we’ll be very happy with that. Beyond that is a bonus,” said Cone, realistic they’re not sure of hanging onto the top at the conclusion of the elims.
Actually, the Hotshots will know their fate just after Sunday’s games pitting Rain or Shine versus Kia and Talk n Text against Alaska.
Victories by both Rain or Shine and Talk n Text will relegate Purefoods to No. 3. But a loss by either RoS or TnT cements Purefoods’ spot in the Top Two.
The Hotshots can even be the elims’ topnotchers on losses by both the E-Painters and the Texters.
But Cone insisted they’re ready to go on playing a best-of-three series in the quarterfinals.
Bowles came through with another sterling all-around game with 37 points, 21 rebounds, three assists and three blocks as the Hotshots roared to a fourth straight win.
Gunners James Yap and PJ Simon fired 15 points each to make it easier for Purefoods to dominate a Meralco side badly missing the services of the injury-stricken Cliff Hodge.
The Bolts suffered a fourth loss in their last five games and slid down to joint fourth with the NLEX Road Warriors at 6-4.
But even with that, Meralco still has a slim chance to salvaging the No. 2 spot – on losses by both Rain or Shine and Talk n Text Sunday.
Bowles hit his stride early and sustained a blazing game throughout, overshadowing Meralco counterpart Josh Davis who put in 31 markers and 13 boards.
“Denzel got into a rhythm very early. It’s a nice beautiful rhythm. He shoots like that, and he’s tough to defend,” said Cone of his prized import shooting 16-of-25 from the field.
“He’s 6-10 (actually officially measured a little less than 6-9) and he can shoot over your hard. He’s tough to cover when he’s hot,” Cone added.
Cone also lauded Marc Pingris and Rafi Reavis for their defensive effort on Davis in the game that the Hotshots dominated, leading by as many as 18 at 74-56. (SB)
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