MAKE WAY FOR MERALCO’S OTHER GUNNER
NLEX carefully laid down its gameplan against Meralco import Josh Davis and gunner Gary David.
Little did the Road Warriors’ coaching staff believe that it would be Mark Macapagal who make his mark in the game and anchor Meralco to a 1-0 series lead courtesy of a 97-82 Game 1 victory.
Used sparingly this conference by coach Norman Black as he only logged 24 minutes in seven games, Macapagal shook off the cobwebs and stepped into prime position with his 22 points behind 5-of-10 shooting from rainbow country.
“Natapat lang talaga,” said the four-time Three Point Shootout champ.
Though he relinquished his title in Palawan early this month, Macapagal made sure that he’ll be ready whenever his number was called.
And it couldn’t have come on a better night as the Bolts badly needed a spark on offense to stop their three-game losing skid. Not helping their situation any was Jared Dillinger hurting his left knee early and unable to return to the game.
“Kailangan may mag-step up. Somebody is down so somebody has to step up,” Macapagal said. “Alam ko na ang scouting nila is kay Josh at Gary. Pag may chance, titira ko na lang. Yun din naman ang role ko for how many years na rin.”
Being the veteran that he is, Macapagal said that he doesn’t mind being kept on the bench by Black for most of the eliminations.
“Yung eliminations, tapos na yun. Two games, two wins, yun ang importante. Sabi ni coach, be ready lang for today’s game kasi baka magamit ako for some adjustments,” he said. “Napaganda pa nga para sa akin kasi si Gary ang binigyan nila ng attention. Ako yung nagkaroon ng chance para makatira ng makatira. Buti pumasok naman.”
And as Meralco closes in on a semifinal slot this Commissioner’s Cup, Macapagal is just wishing that the team can sustain its hot run against NLEX up to Sunday.
“Malaking confidence builder yung nakauna ka na,” he said. “Sa akin naman, ngayon lang nagamit, Best Player pa, so malaking confidence booster talaga.” (RL)
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