GlobalPort sets sights on 3rd straight win; Meralco looks to stay alive
There’s nothing more dangerous than a team with everything to gain and GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio knows that all too well.
That explains why Jarencio wants his Batang Pier to constantly be on their toes when they battle the cellar-dwelling Meralco Bolts Wednesday in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup at Cuneta Astrodome.
GlobalPort is looking for a third straight win that would give it solo fourth-running spot and closer to its immediate target of finishing among the top six at the end of the 11-game eliminations.
Such a finish carries with it a twice-to-beat advantage in the ensuing first phase of the quarterfinals.
Much more modest is the aim of Meralco, which simply wants to avoid a fourth straight loss and stay alive in its bid to stay in the hunt for inclusion among the 10 teams making it to the playoffs.
The Bolts’ task of advancing is a very tall one indeed for they must not only hurdle GlobalPort but also third-running Rain or Shine next week while hoping both Mahindra and Blackwater do not get to three wins.
Jarencio knows Meralco is set to go all-out. “Meralco is a dangerous team. We can’t take them for granted,” he stated.
The Bolts did little to disprove that fact by engaging heavy favorite Alaska to a nip-and-tuck battle last Thursday before narrowly dropping an 86-88 decision to the Aces.
It was the sixth time in seven games Meralco lost a game by no more than four points, clearly showing the difficulty coach Norman Black has had in blending together, especially on defense, a team with seven newcomers.
Chemistry seems to be one problem GlobalPort is not concerned with since its spate of wins has also featured close ones against Rain or Shine (113-111) and NLEX, the last via a 96-90 count last week.
“At least hindi na nawawala sa fourth quarter ang team ngayon, medyo steady na,” said Jarencio after the NLEX game. “Pero still marami pa ring kailangang i-improve, lalo na sa defense.”
Indeed, offense has not been really a problem for the Batang Pier as scoring machine Terrence Romeo and the ever-efficient Stanley Pringle have been consistently leading the way with an average of 20 points each and Doug Kramer, Keith Jensen and Jay Washington heading those giving chief support.
Despite his struggles as a marked man in the Alaska game Gary David continues to be Meralco’s main go-to guy with Cliff Hodge, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and rookie Chris Newsome among those ready to lend a helping hand. (NC)
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.
