DENZEL’S NIGHT
Superb from the get-go, it was Denzel Bowles who took the spotlight on Wednesday as the 6-foot-9 dynamo uncorked 49 points to help Purefoods nab a 1-0 lead courtesy of a 100-94 Game 1 victory over Talk ‘N Text.
“He’s awesome,” quipped Purefoods coach Tim Cone of his reinforcement.
Exploding for 29 points in the first half, Bowles helped the Hotshots take an early advantage which they never relinquished until the end.
Aside from his 49 markers, Bowles also had 10 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the winning effort. However, Cone expressed some concerns of Purefoods being too dependent on their American reinforcement.
“Denzel had an awesome first half, but we can’t go too Denzel-reliant. We’ve got to have more discipline in that to make things easier for Denzel, keep ourselves more involved,” Cone said.
But for Bowles, it’s just his night.
“When I got it going like that, it’s crazy because the next game, I might just get 20 and my other teammates step up,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s Talk ‘N Text or not but I just got on a rhythm early. I just had that tunnel-vision mode. A couple of shots went in and I just took advantage of it,” added the former Best Import awardee.
Bowles also said that he relishes the five-day break they’re going to have, as ailing guys could use the time to recuperate from their injuries.
“We need that. We got guys who are banged up. We love long breaks, we need it and we like to practice,” he said.
Still, Bowles wants no let-ups once they take the court once more on Monday for Game 2 of their best-of-five semifinal series.
“I had some hot nights. I’m just blessed that I got going in the playoffs at the right time,” he said. “Tonight was just my night.” (RL)
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